SUMMIT COUNTY, OHIO—Summit County Executive Shapiro and County Council passed legislation recognizing September as Preparedness Month and Recovery Month.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has recognized National Preparedness Month annually since 2004 to heighten the abilities of communities to respond swiftly and effectively to disasters and emergencies. Disasters and emergencies include natural occurrences, such as floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes, and pandemics, as well as man-made hazards, such as chemical spills and terrorism, with some overlap. In Summit County, we felt the effects of two nearby disasters, the Canadian wildfires and the train derailment in East Palestine. If you found yourself wondering what to do when air quality became hazardous, or what information to trust during the train derailment, this is why we recognize Preparedness Month.
The Summit County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) has several resources for residents to prepare themselves and their families for an emergency. First, residents are encouraged to download the EMA App to receive alerts and create an emergency plan that is shareable with family and friends. Residents may also sign up for Reverse Alerts via phone, email, or devices for those who are hard of hearing. Second, residents can visit Summit County EMA’s website to learn about how the agency works and opportunities for residents to learn. Among EMA’s duties are developing plans for schools to respond to crises, to operate or aid communities in operating emergency responses, and offering training to public safety departments across Summit County. Lastly, EMA has launched “Summit Ready,” a free and voluntary emergency management certification program for all 31 communities in Summit County. Certified communities will be listed on EMA’s website.
“Responding to emergencies takes considerable preparation from our public safety forces,” said Executive Shapiro, “But we need residents across all of our communities on board to ensure we are ready should a disaster strike.”
September is also Recovery Month, an observance sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to emphasize that recover from mental health and substance abuse disorders is achievable and should be celebrated, not stigmatized. Prevention, treatment, and recovery are core tenets for both the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health (ADM) Board and the Opiate Abatement Advisory Council. With Overdose Awareness Day only yesterday, it is crucial to recognize the challenges residents with and recovering from opiate use disorders face and provide them with the support they need. To access recovery resources, visit admboard.org/recovery.aspx.
Summit County Public Health and the ADM Board recently launched a Public Health Vending Machine in partnership with CHC Addiction Services. Located at CHC Addiction Services’ East Side location at 725 E Market St, this vending machine provides free 24/7/365 access to naloxone, wound care kits, safer sex kits, fentanyl test strips, and other items to registered clients. Registration is free, confidential and anonymous, and can be completed for immediate access with a valid email address by scanning the QR code on the front of the machine. Registration can also be completed by calling SCPH at (330) 375-2984 and speaking with staff or leaving a message for a call back within 24-48 hours. Naloxone will always be available with or without registration 24/7/365 by following the steps on the front of the machine.
“Our community has faced so much adversity during the isolation of the pandemic and the continued challenges of the opioid epidemic,” said Executive Shapiro, “Now more than ever, we need to wrap our arms around those in need and those recovering, and let our families, friends, and neighbors know that we are there for them and we are proud of them.”
SCPH also offers free fentanyl test strips and Narcan kits through the mail. Residents can receive fentanyl test strips by registering at https://www.scph.org/counseling/test-strips. The registration can be completed anonymously. Residents can also request an overdose reversal kit at https://www.scph.org/kit-request-form.
