Trumbull County working to get free Narcan kits out after recent drug raid

TRUMBULL COUNTY, OH - A recent drug bust on the southwest side of Warren has prompted Trumbull County addiction professionals to get more Narcan kits in the neighborhoods and highlight an issue people might not think about: the reality of addiction after a bust.
County health professionals said there is no question a drug raid is vital to stop supply and arrest drug dealers, but it won't stop the addiction of those who bought drugs there and need a new dealer fast.
Situations like that could lead to an overdose, so the county wants to prevent that.
Trumbull County coalitions including A.S.A.P. are teaming up to get more project Dawn Narcan kits out to the public and better understand a correlation between drug raids and potential increase in overdose deaths.
April Caraway, Executive Director of the Mental Health and Recovery Board, said it's important to remember those suffering from addiction may find themselves desperately searching for another source to buy if their usual dealer is caught.
"It's not like they're not going to use. They're addicted. Until we can get them into treatment, they're going to find another source to get the drugs," she said, "and so we want to make sure that family members, friends have Project Dawn [narcan kits] on with them, in case they get a supply of drugs that has fentanyl, something in it that could kill their loved one."
The ongoing goal is to build on the relationship with law enforcement and take a holistic approach to fight addiction.
Caraway reminds everyone of the abundance of Free Narcan kits available to save the lives of those dealing with a deadly disease.
"We're trying to get them into treatment, but we have to keep them alive in order to get them there," she said.
Anyone can pick up free Narcan kits at the Trumbull County Combined Health District in Cortland or the Mental Health and Recovery Board in Warren.