Dolan Acknowledges Ohio's First Official Overdose Awareness Day
August 31, 2021
Matt Dolan News
COLUMBUS—State Senator Matt Dolan (R-Chagrin Falls) today acknowledges Ohio's first official Overdose Awareness Day, an effort championed by Dolan in Senate Bill 30. The bill became law in June.
Overdose Awareness Day marks the importance of understanding the ongoing battle with the opioid epidemic that has touched every Ohio neighborhood. All state flags at public buildings will be displayed at half-staff on August 31st, as Ohio remembers those who lost their lives to addiction.
“While we are getting better, Ohio is still fifth in the nation in overdose deaths,” said Dolan. "I believe today is an important step in raising awareness and further supporting our communities fighting the opioid epidemic in Ohio. So many lives lost and families shattered by needless deaths. I am hopeful this day will ultimately lead to second chances for those trapped in the cycle of addiction.”
In recent years, Ohio has shown a decline in the total number of overdose-related deaths per year, however, it remains the leading cause of injury-related deaths since 2007. In 2018, over 3,000 Ohioans died of unintentional drug overdoses, which is the lowest number of deaths per year since 2015.
In the last several years, the Ohio Senate has made significant investments to support Ohioans struggling with substance use and mental health disorders by expanding recovery housing, investing in wrap-around services for K-12 students and increasing county crisis stabilization services.
To learn more about Ohio’s work to address opioid addiction, visit recoveryohio.gov. If you or a loved one need help, please call the Ohio CareLine at 1-800-720-9616.
Overdose Awareness Day marks the importance of understanding the ongoing battle with the opioid epidemic that has touched every Ohio neighborhood. All state flags at public buildings will be displayed at half-staff on August 31st, as Ohio remembers those who lost their lives to addiction.
“While we are getting better, Ohio is still fifth in the nation in overdose deaths,” said Dolan. "I believe today is an important step in raising awareness and further supporting our communities fighting the opioid epidemic in Ohio. So many lives lost and families shattered by needless deaths. I am hopeful this day will ultimately lead to second chances for those trapped in the cycle of addiction.”
In recent years, Ohio has shown a decline in the total number of overdose-related deaths per year, however, it remains the leading cause of injury-related deaths since 2007. In 2018, over 3,000 Ohioans died of unintentional drug overdoses, which is the lowest number of deaths per year since 2015.
In the last several years, the Ohio Senate has made significant investments to support Ohioans struggling with substance use and mental health disorders by expanding recovery housing, investing in wrap-around services for K-12 students and increasing county crisis stabilization services.
To learn more about Ohio’s work to address opioid addiction, visit recoveryohio.gov. If you or a loved one need help, please call the Ohio CareLine at 1-800-720-9616.