National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is April 30
LORAIN, OHIO – The Mental Health, Addiction and Recovery Services (MHARS) Board of Lorain County and its partners announce that National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will take place on April 30, 2022. In October 2021, Lorain County Drug Take Back events resulted in the collection of 4,381 pounds of prescription drugs.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., volunteers will provide free locking medication safes and other drug safety resources across the county at the locations noted below with an asterisk. At the locations listed without an asterisk, visitors can drop off their medications with law enforcement officers or other personnel for disposal. All are encouraged to clean out their medicine cabinets of potentially harmful drugs by safely disposing of them at this free, confidential annual event.
Locations in Lorain County include:
| *Amherst Police Department | 911 North Lake St. 44001 |
| *Avon Lake Police Department | 32855 Walker Rd. 44012 |
| Avon Police Department | 36145 Detroit Rd. 44011 |
| Columbia Township Fire Department | 25540 Royalton Rd. 44028 |
| *Elyria Police Department | 18 West Ave. 44035 |
| *Grafton Police Department | 1009 Chestnut St. 44044 |
| *Kipton Police Department | 299 State St. 44049 |
| LaGrange Police Department | 301 Liberty St. 44050 |
| *Lorain County Sheriff’s Office | 9896 Murray Ridge Rd. 44035 |
| * Lorain Police Department | 200 West Erie Ave. 44052 |
| *North Ridgeville Department | 7303 Avon-Belden Rd. 44039 |
| Oberlin Police Department | 85 South Main St. 44074 |
| *Sheffield Lake Police Department | 609 Harris Rd. 44054 |
| Sheffield Village Police Department | 4340 Colorado Ave. 44054 |
| *Vermilion Police Department | 5791 Liberty Ave. 44089 |
| *Wellington Police Department | 117 Willard Memorial Square 44090 |
*Locations with volunteers
“Lorain County continues to see the detrimental effects of the opioid crisis,” said Michael Doud, Executive Director of the MHARS Board of Lorain County. “Drug Take Back Day is an opportunity for us all to do our part to ensure that drugs that have potential for misuse do not end up in the hands of those struggling with substance use disorder.”
The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue. According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.5 million people misused opioids in the year prior. More than 9.3 million people misused prescription pain relievers. In 2020, 40.3 million people aged 12 or older (or 14.5%) had a substance use disorder in the previous year. In Quarter 4 of 2020, 10.9 million users of drugs other than alcohol perceived that they were using these substances “a little more or much more” than they did before the COVID-19 pandemic began, according to the survey data. The effort is led nationally by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
For more information visit www.mharslc.org/recovery.
About the MHARS Board
The Mental Health, Addiction and Recovery Services (MHARS) Board of Lorain County brings together the expertise, resources and proud histories of the Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services Board of Lorain County and the Lorain County Board of Mental Health. The people served by mental health and substance use disorder systems have a common goal – recovery. Consolidating the county’s addiction and mental health partners strengthens our ability to coordinate treatment and recovery services, which helps us improve the lives of our clients, their loved ones and the community. Our goal is to maximize delivery of these health services. It means providing the right care, in the right setting, at the right time. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram or connect with us on our website at www.mharslc.org.
Learn More
National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week
March 21 – 27, 2022 is National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week
What is National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week? NDAFW is an annual, nationwide observance of drug and alcohol use among youth. It was first launched in 2010 by the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA).
DID YOU KNOW?
- Narcan can save a person’s life during an opioid overdose.
- Young people who vaped are four times more likely to start smoking cigarettes.
- Vaping can cause sinus infections, nose bleeds and asthma.
- Smoking marijuana can cause damage to the lungs.
- People who drink before the age of 15 are five times more likely to become addicted to alcohol.
- People ages 12-20 drink 4% of all alcohol consumed in the United States.
So, What Can You Do?
If you or someone you may know has been experiencing issues with drug or alcohol abuse, there are many providers in Lorain County who can assist. Check out the Provider Agencies directory to find the right provider for you or your loved one.
Interested in Expanding Your Knowledge About Drugs and Alcohol?
Check out the MHARS Board NDFAW 2022 Activity Workbook! Also check out NDFAW’s Drug and Alcohol Facts Kahoot! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to view important facts throughout NDFAW.
Need immediate help?
- 24/7 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988
- 24/7 Alcohol and Drug Helpline for Lorain County: 440-989-4900
- 24/7 Crisis Text Line: Text 4HOPE to 741-741
AmeriCorps Week
March 13 – 19 is AmeriCorps Week!
AmeriCorps is an organization that serves people throughout the United States, in areas such as education, economics, disaster response, and providing healthy futures for those that are in need. AmeriCorps Week was created to celebrate the hard work and services that AmeriCorps members provide year-round. At the MHARS Board of Lorain County, Andrea Sedlacek works as our AmeriCorps VISTA member.
Andrea Sedlacek graduated from Bowling Green State University in 2020 with her BS in Criminal Justice, as well as graduating in 2021 from Bowling Green State University with her Masters in Criminal Justice. After graduating in 2021, Sedlacek joined the MHARS Board as the AmeriCorps VISTA worker.
Andrea has been an important member of the MHARS Board, working on different grants and projects for Lorain County. She has worked on the Ohio Collaborative Program Development grant under the Ohio Program for Campus Safety and Mental Health, which provides campus programming, such as suicide prevention training and mental health screenings. Sedlacek is also involved in the Harm Reduction and Family branch and participates in Drug Take Back Day and International Overdose Awareness Day.
Thank you Andrea for everything you do for the Board and the community!
Learn More
LCOAT Family Support Branch Debuts Resource Guide
The Lorain County Opioid Action Team’s (LCOAT) Family Support Branch has created a new resource guide for families affected by substance use disorder.
When a loved one struggles with addiction, we may not know how to help. This guide is designed by family members of those struggling with substance use disorder to make the process of finding help a little easier.
Click here to download the printable It’s OK to Talk About It guide.
Learn More
MHARS Board Welcomes New Staff Member
The MHARS Board of Lorain County welcomes our new Program Officer, Lauren Cieslak. She will be working under the Children and Adolescent Services Director on the Community Services team.
Lauren has worked passionately in direct mental health services for 11 years. Most recently, six of those years were spent in Lorain County. Lauren is a Board Certified Art Therapist as well as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Supervisor. She is currently a professor at Ursuline College where she teaches practicum and internship students in the double master’s program, of which she is also an alumna. Previously, Lauren was a mental health therapist at The Nord Center where she led Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Trauma Informed Care initiatives. Lauren is a founding member of two community nonprofits: The Lorain County LGBTQ+ Taskforce and Public Art Vermilion. Earlier in her career, Lauren worked at The Emily Program, The Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities and Westside Community House. Lauren has a BA in Human Development and Family Studies from Kent State University, and a double masters in Art Therapy and Counseling from Ursuline College.
Interested in employment opportunities at the MHARS Board? Visit HERE for more information and available positions.
Learn More
Coping with the Holidays Guide Available Online
Holidays can be the most wonderful time of the year for many, but it can also be stressful. There are many expectations surrounding the holiday season such as expensive gifts, spending time with friends and families during the pandemic, work parties, etc.
Here are some tips on how to cope with stress during the holiday season from our Coping with the Holidays
- Make time for yourself – Do something you enjoy, such as knitting, painting, or even just watching your favorite show.
- Make a list of everything you need to get done and prioritize each of them. When you start getting overwhelmed, work on the first thing on your “must do” list.
- Be around people who care about you – Having supportive friends and family around can help you in many ways.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help – Whether it be having your friends help wrap gifts or reaching out to a therapist, make sure to know your needs and acknowledge them.
- Don’t pressure yourself to buy everyone an expensive gift. Thoughtful, low-dollar gifts are perfect when you don’t want to break the bank.
- Take advantage of discounts and clearance items in stores. This is a great way to save money throughout your gift shopping.
Want more tips to beat stress, delicious recipes, and more resources? Check out the Coping with the Holidays
Happy Holidays from all of us at the MHARS Board of Lorain County.
If you need help this season, please reach out.
Text 4hope to 741-741 to talk to a licensed therapist without having to call. The line is open 24/7.
24-hour Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988
By: Kaeli Moody
Learn More
New Board Member Appointed to MHARS Board of Directors
A new director has been appointed to the Mental Heath, Addiction and Recovery Services (MHARS) Board of Lorain County. Marie Leibas was sworn in on December 16.
Leibas was appointed by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services to serve on the MHARS Board of Directors. She has previously worked at Ohio Jobs and Family Services in Elyria, Ohio as a Data Entry Clerk for over five years. She currently is involved in the Lorain Historical Society, Lorain Proud, the Lorain Palace Theatre, and the Mexican Mutual Society. Leibas is extremely passionate about advocating for mental health and addiction issues.
Learn More
You Belong Kicks Off at December Event
The transition from elementary to middle school can be difficult for some students. You Belong is a youth-led initiative designed to support students through this transition. The project liaison, Mike Ferrer, works with adult mentors and students from participating schools with the support of the MHARS Board.
You Belong is designed to support schools interested in increasing the number of students that feel connected to peers and teachers with the understanding that increasing belongingness and decreasing the number of students who experience isolation and alienation, can reduce the risk of suicides. Further, You Belong provides an opportunity for youth to take a leadership role in creating a school climate in which every student understands that he or she belongs.
On December 6, students and mentors from each school involved in the initiative came together at the Spitzer Conference Center at Lorain County Community College for the You Belong Kickoff Event. At this event, roughly nine students from each school and their mentors participated in activities aimed at developing engagement and leadership skills. At the event, Ferrer and his team facilitated multiple activities to prepare students for their roles in You Belong.
The MHARS Board of Lorain County is providing financial support for nine schools this school year. The schools include:
- Longfellow Middle School (Lorain)
- Johnnie Wilson Middle School (Lorain)
- Southview Middle School (Lorain)
- Midview Middle School (Grafton)
- Brookside Middle School (Sheffield)
- Durling Middle School (Lorain)
- North Ridgeville Academic Center (North Ridgeville)
- Learwood Middle School (Avon Lake)
- Keystone Middle School (LaGrange)
By Kaeli Moody
Learn More
4,381.6 Pounds of Drugs Collected During Lorain County Drug Take Back Day
The Mental Health, Addiction and Recovery Services (MHARS) Board of Lorain County partnered with local law enforcement and various community organizations to collect 4,381.6 pounds of drugs, including opioids, at National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on October 23. The Fall 2021 total surpasses the 3,883.7 pounds collected at the last Lorain County Drug Take Back event in April 2021.
“Lorain County continues to see the adverse effects of improper opioid use that lead to addiction,” said Michael Doud, MHARS Board Executive Director. “We can all do our part to curb substance use disorder by safely disposing of prescription drugs that could potentially be abused. I thank the many residents, volunteers and public safety personnel who made this event a success.”
Here is a breakdown of how much was collected throughout Lorain County by location:
| Locations | Pounds Collected |
| Amherst Police Department | 502 |
| Avon Police Department | 500 |
| Avon Lake Police Department | 225.6 |
| Columbia Fire Department | 76.4 |
| Elyria Police Department | 206 |
| Grafton Police Department | 177.8 |
| Kipton Police Department | 42.6 |
| LaGrange Police Department | 138.4 |
| Lorain Police Department | 276 |
| Lorain County Sheriff | 1150 |
| North Ridgeville Police Department | 361.8 |
| Oberlin Police Department | 425.4 |
| Sheffield Lake Police Department | 55.8 |
| Sheffield Village Police Department | 74.2 |
| Vermilion Police Department | 27 |
| Wellington Police Department | 142.6 |
| TOTAL: | 4,381.6 |
Residents who were unable to drop off on Drug Take Back Day may still bring their unused prescriptions for safe disposal to local police departments. All Lorain County police departments have receptacles for drop-off in their lobbies.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue. According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.7 million people misused prescription pain relievers, 4.9 million people misused prescription stimulants, and 5.9 million people misused prescription tranquilizers or sedatives in 2019. The survey also showed that a majority of misused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is led nationally by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
For more information about addiction, treatment and recovery, visit www.mharslc.org/recovery.
Learn MoreRFQ Questions Answered
Below are the questions submitted as part of the RFQ for a project manager/owner representative for the Lorain County Crisis Receiving Center. The questions, as they were sent, are listed below in a bolded font.
- Has the site been selected or is acquisition part of the proposal? There are two (2) noncontiguous parcels owned by The Nord Center that has been identified as a possible location for the project. The parcel had a Phase 1 completed.
- Has any entitlement work been initiated? No. The City of Lorain is aware of the project.
- Has a site plan been developed?Preliminary plan created in 2018. Building concept has not been determined.
- Is it possible to extent the deadline for questions into next week?No
- There is a limit of (10) single sided pages, does this include all backup for experience and resumes of our team? Resumes are not part of the 10 pages. All other documents are part of the 10 pages.
