The Paint Valley Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health (ADAMH) Board and the Fayette County Commissioners gathered at the Fayette County EMS Complex, in downtown Washington Court House on Tuesday to show their appreciation for those on the front lines of Ohio’s Opiate Epidemic.
With the message, “Bringing Help. Bringing Hope. Thank You”, pizzas were delivered to first responders in appreciation to all of the individuals on the front lines who are working to eradicate opiates and help individuals coping with addiction recovery every day.
The Fayette County Commissioners presented a resolution expressing their gratitude and appreciation to all community members working on the front lines in the fight against Ohio’s opioid epidemic. A resolution from Governor Kasich was also read, as well as a certificate of recognition for all Fayette County first responders from the Ohio Attorney General.
“We sponsored the Day of Appreciation because we see every day the difficulty and pain so many of our front-line fighters face as they work to help individuals in need. The positive impact that recovery from addiction can have on individuals, families, job growth, community safety, and overall economic development cannot be overstated,” stated Board Executive Director Penny Dehner. “Treatment Works and People Recover, saving individuals and helping to open the door to recovery for those living in Fayette County, who need treatment services. Supports is not only the right thing to do, it is the smart thing to do. Our community will be stronger for it."
In addition to the Day of Appreciation, ADAMH wants to help our first responders cope with the additional stress that comes along with being on the front lines. Secondary traumatic stress is the emotional duress that results when an individual witnesses the firsthand trauma of others. Its symptoms mimic those of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
ADAMH will be providing a Secondary Trauma Symposium for the first responders in our Board region. The first will be held on Wednesday, May 9th, at the Ross County Service Center in Chillicothe, Ohio and the second will be held on Wednesday, May 30th, at Southern State Community College in Washington Court House, Ohio. The attendees will learn coping skills and receive additional resources including a self-care video from the Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Services.