The Stark County Opiate & Addiction Task Force was created in December 2011 to address the increasing public health concern regarding opiates. In 2019, the group changed its name slightly to recognize that substances other than opiates, such as stimulants, are also affecting the addiction crisis in the county.
Comprised of individuals from a variety of community organizations, the Task Force is designed to bring people and resources together from all sectors of the community to develop and pursue goals and strategies.
Mission
About
The Stark County Opiate & Addiction Task Force was created in December 2011 to address the increasing public health concern regarding opiates. In 2019, the group changed its name slightly to recognize that substances other than opiates, such as stimulants, are also affecting the addiction crisis in the county.
Purpose
Composed of individuals from a variety of community organizations, the Task Force is designed to bring people and resources together from all sectors of the community to develop and pursue goals and strategies.
Goals
- The Opiate & Addiction Task Force is focused on advocacy, education, community partnerships, innovation, and data around this issue.
- Strategies implemented center around harm reduction, client engagement, public awareness, and data.
- In conjunction with Drug Free Stark County, collaborate with community partners for Stark County’s Drug Take Back Days.
Opiate Data
Stark County Health Department Overdose Statistics and Annual Reports
Canton City Health Department Syringe Exchange Program Information & Data
Opiate Resources
Opiate Hotline
Can be reached 24/7/365 at 330-454-HELP (4357)
Addiction Is A Brain Disease
If your loved one has an opiate addiction, learn what to do. This website was prepared by family members for family members, StarkHeroinEpidemic.org »
Opiate Pocket Pals
are available to the community. Contact Info@StarkMHAR.org to order.
Project DAWN of Stark County
The Opiate Task Force and Stark County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery partnered to bring this community-based overdose education and Naloxone distribution program, which is funded by the Ohio Department of Health, to Stark County to provide overdose prevention kits to residents. Learn more about Project DAWN »
The HEALing Communities Study
The Healing Communities Study (HCS), part of the National Institutes of Health Healing Addiction Long-Term initiative to address the opioid crisis, tested whether an integrated set of evidence-based prevention and treatment interventions can reduce overdose mortality by 40% over a 3-year period. Stark County participated in the study, which completed in 2023, but ongoing efforts will continue via the Opiate & Addiction Task Force. Learn how to reduce and prevent Opiate overdose and death »
Prevention Resources In Stark County
Prevention and treatment resources are available right here at home. We all have a stake in ensuring Stark County remains a great place to work, live and raise children. It is crucial all sectors including the criminal justice system, families, the business and medical community, schools and more, be involved for Stark County to be successful in prevention.
Sheriff’s Office Tip Line
Tip Line Stark County residents can now contact the Sheriff’s Office tip line at 330-451-3937.
Task Force Meetings
Task force meetings are held the third Friday of the month from 11:30 – 1:00 via Microsoft Teams. Please join us to learn more about how you can help address the addiction epidemic! Contact the Coalition & Community Development Coordinator, at 330-455-6644.