GREENVILLE — Heroin’s grip has been felt in every community in Ohio and mirroring the national trend, heroin use in Darke County is on the rise.
Heroin and the challenges it poses to the community will be the focus of the first meeting hosted by the Coalition for a Healthy Darke County. Community members and stakeholders are invited to learn more about the Coalition and participate in a “Community Conversation on Heroin” at Romer’s Catering in Greenville on Tuesday, Oct. 25, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
“Heroin is a growing problem across the country and we believe it is driving many of the crimes we see in our community every day,” said Chief Deputy Mark Whittaker, Darke County Sheriff’s Office. “There is a direct connection between heroin and many of our robberies and other incidents. People are taking drastic measures to support their addictions.”
The event will bring the community together for a panel discussion and update on where the Coalition partners are in the fight against heroin in Darke County. The panel includes Anna Hatic, D.O, Board Certified Internal Medicine, Family Health; Mark McDaniel, Executive Director, Tri-County Board of Recovery and Mental Health Services; Judge Jonathan Hein, Darke County Common Pleas Court; Chief Deputy Mark Whittaker, Darke County Sheriff’s Office; Pastor Peter Menke, St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church; and Pastor Mark Burd, The First Heavy Metal Church of Christ.
“We invite community members and stakeholders to participate in a discussion following the panel presentation,” said Coalition Board Chairman Matt Aultman. “We need everyone in Darke County involved to help make a positive change.”
“Community conversations like this are important,” said Mark McDaniel, executive director, Tri-County Board of Recovery and Mental Health Services. “Ongoing prevention, education and early intervention efforts as well as strong partnerships, among local organizations, are all key components of a long-term strategy to reduce the negative impact of opiates on individuals and the community.”
The mission of the Coalition for a Healthy Darke County is, “To bring our entire community together to create and maintain healthy lifestyles for all residents and businesses in Darke County. ”
Sponsors for the event are the Darke County Chamber of Commerce, Darke County United Way, Premier Health, Romer’s Catering and Entertainment Facilities, Tri-County Board of Recovery and Mental Health Services and Wayne HealthCare.
Contact the Coalition for a Healthy Darke County at [email protected] for more information.
