Opiate Task Force of Stark County

The Stark County Opiate Task Force was created in December 2011 to address the increasing public health concern regarding opiates. Comprised of individuals form 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.

The Opiate Task Force is focused on advocacy, education, community partnerships, innovation, and data around this issue. The group’s strategic plan can be read here.

The Opiate Task Force meets on a monthly basis and has representation from all community sectors. Notable Task Force projects include:

• Host Opiate Symposium trainings focusing on continuing education for medical professionals, counselors, social workers, criminal justice and the community in the field of opiates
• In conjunction with Drug Free Stark County, collaborate with community partners for Stark County’s Drug Take Back Days
• Applied and received a grant from the Ohio Department of Health to distribute Naloxone overdose kits to the community

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 »

CDC Releases Prescription Guidelines On March 15, 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released guidelines for prescribing opioids for chronic pain to help primary care providers ensure the safest and most effective treatment for their patients. Read the news release » and at-a-glance chart »

Heroin Help A highly addictive opioid drug, heroin use has been steadily rising nationally, statewide and in Stark County. Find resources for families and medical professionals at Heroin Help »

Opiate Pocket Pals are available to the community. Contact at Info@StarkMHAR.org to order. View Pocket Pal content »

Opiate Prevention Toolkit Designed for students, educators and for parents, Stark County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery partners with Drug Free Stark County and the Stark County Educational Service Center to make this online resource tool accessible to the public. Opiate Prevention Toolkit »

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 »

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. Learn more about prevention resources »

Sheriff’s Office Tip Line Stark County residents can now contact the Sheriff’s Office tip line at 330-451-3937.

If you have any questions, or are interested in getting involved, please contact Allison Esber, Systems Initiatives Manager, at 330-455-6644 or Allison.Esber@StarkMHAR.org.