Summit County's Battle Plan: Ilene Shapiro on Declaring a State of Emergency for the Opioid Crisis
As you know, our state, in our state, we have been hit very hard for the opioid epidemic I mean as bad, if not worse than any other state, and we've asked- many members throughout the state have asked- for it to be declared a state of emergency in our state, and this is something that I you know.
When the opioid crisis hit Summit County hard, County Executive Ilene Shapiro took a bold step: she declared a state of emergency. In this episode of the Cover 2 Resources podcast, Greg McNeil sits down with Shapiro to discuss how this declaration transformed the county's approach to tackling the epidemic. Shapiro sheds light on the devastating human toll of the crisis and the hurdles faced in gaining acceptance for syringe exchanges.
She underscores the vital role of coordination, cooperation, and communication in managing this public health emergency. From limiting prescription drug quantities to ensuring transportation for treatment access, Shapiro outlines the multi-faceted strategies employed to support those battling substance use disorder. She also delves into the ongoing lawsuit against opioid manufacturers and distributors, highlighting the legal battles that form part of this complex issue. Community leaders, according to Shapiro, play a crucial role in driving behavior change and mobilizing resources.
This episode offers a comprehensive look at how Summit County is navigating its way through one of the most challenging public health crises of our time.