Integrated Harm Reduction

The Fairfield County Health Department is part of the Project DAWN opioid overdose education and naloxone distribution network of programs coordinated by the Ohio Department of Health.

Naloxone (commonly known as NARCAN®) is a medication that can reverse an overdose caused by an opioid drug (heroin, illicit fentanyl, or prescription pain medications). When administered during an overdose, naloxone blocks the effects of opioids on the brain and quickly restores breathing. Naloxone has been used safely by emergency medical professionals for more than 40 years and has only one critical function: to prevent overdose death by reversing the effects of opioids. Naloxone is a safe, non-controlled drug and has no potential for abuse.

If naloxone is given to a person who is not experiencing an opioid overdose, it is harmless. If naloxone is administered to a person who is dependent on opioids, it will produce withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal, although uncomfortable, is not life-threatening.

Naloxone can be administered by trained laypersons, which can be helpful if a friend, family member, or other bystander witnesses a person overdosing. FCHD distributes Naloxone and provides overdose prevention education and training to individuals and organizations throughout Fairfield County.

If you are interested in receiving Project DAWN Naloxone kits, would like to schedule a free training for your organization, or if you have any questions, please contact Megan Baker, BS, OCPSA.

FCHD has a community health worker who can help Fairfield County residents to find community resources. Reach out to Landon Spangler if you need assistance in finding resources.

Fairfield County also has a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services in Fairfield County:

The STARLight Center, OhioGuidestone
P: (740) 672-3855 

336 E. Locust St., Lancaster, OH 43130

BrightView Health
P: (866) 934-7450

1750 Granville Pike, Lancaster, OH 43130

Chillicothe VA Med CTR Lancaster
P: (740) 653-6145

1703 N. Memorial Dr., Suite 100, Lancaster, OH 43130

Complete Healthcare Addiction and Gynecology
P: (614) 882-4343 

670 Hill Rd. N. Pickerington, OH 43147

430 N. Memorial Dr, Lancaster, OH 43130

The Recovery Center
P: (740) 687-4500

201 S. Columbus St., Lancaster, OH 43130

The Creed of Recovery
P: (614) 404-6008

551 ½ E. Main St., Lancaster, OH 43130

Mid Ohio Psychological Services
P: (740) 687-0042 

106 Starret St., Suite 100, Lancaster, OH 43130

Spero Health
P: (740) 212-8137 

1540B E. Main St., Lancaster, OH 43130

Sunrise Recovery
P: (740) 901-9330

132 E. Main St., Lancaster, OH 43130

Stigma refers to any negative attitude, prejudice, or false belief associated with specific traits, circumstances, or health symptoms.

Individuals living with substance use disorders or other mental health disorders are subjected to stigma. Stigma can lead to discrimination and preventing people from seeking help due to the fear of being judged or labeled as “weak” or “crazy”.

There are three common types of stigmas:

Structural: Societal and institutional stigma. An example could be persistent prejudice and discrimination by health care and treatment systems and the criminal justice system.

Public: Attitudes of the general public. Public stigma persists in part due to structural stigma.

Self: When people become aware of the public stigma, they may feel a sense of guilt or shame.

Addressing Stigma:

Addressing stigma involves educating yourself and others about the impacts that negative attitudes or beliefs could have on someone, challenging stereotypes, and being supportive and using person first language to prioritize the person.

Resources:

To learn more about the OH Against OD initiative, myths and facts of SUD, and about the Good Samaritan Law.

Learn more about the stigma of substance use disorders and how to address stigma.

In addition to naloxone, FCHD also distributes Fentanyl Test Strips (FTS) and Xylazine Test Strips to test for the presence of Fentanyl and/or Xylazine. Illicit Fentanyl can be a liquid or a powder. Powdered Fentanyl is commonly mixed with drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine and made into pills to resemble other prescription opioids. Drugs mixed with Fentanyl are dangerous and contribute to nearly 70% of overdose deaths. Xylazine, also known by the street name “tranq”, is a powerful non-opioid veterinary tranquilizer not approved for human use, but it is increasingly found in the illicit drug supple, most frequently in combination with fentanyl.

To promote safe drug disposal, FCHD also distributes free Deterra Drug Disposal pouches. These pouches can be used at home to safely destroy unused or expired medications, making them unavailable for misuse and then safe to dispose of in the normal trash. They can be used for prescription drugs, pills, liquids, creams and films.

To increase access to harm reduction supplies such as naloxone, first aid kits, hygiene kits, etc., FCHD has places harm reduction cabinets throughout the county. Anyone can access the free supplies in these cabinets at their various location sites. FCHD also has worked with the Fairfield County Prevention Advocacy and Treatment coalition and the Project FORT team to place over 80 public facing emergency access naloxone boxes.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. For help finding local resources, please contact our Community Health Worker, Landon Spangler For 24/7 free and confidential mental health or addiction crisis support, you can call or text 988.