The Lake County Opiate Task Force announced this week its official name change to the Lake County Addiction Task Force.
According to officials, the action marks a “significant step in the group’s ongoing commitment to addressing a broad range of substance and behavioral addictions affecting the community.”
Originally established in 2010 by the Lake County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board to combat the opioid epidemic, the task force has continually expanded its focus to include other emerging issues impacting Lake County residents.
Kim Fraser, executive director of the ADAMHS Board and task force member, noted that the decision to adopt the new name reflects a dedication to addressing not only opioid misuse but also the evolving concerns and challenges facing the community.
“This change is an important step,” she said. “Addiction takes many forms, including sports gambling, vaping, marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, and other forms, and our mission is to provide education, resources, and support to help struggling individuals and families.”
Fraser added that the Addiction Task Force will continue collaborating with schools, churches, law enforcement, health care providers, and other community partners to offer prevention, treatment, and recovery resources.
A key initiative of the task force, she said, includes secure medication drop-off bins located at all municipal police offices, educational training for first responders and community groups, and the Compass Line, a one-on-one, user-friendly resource connecting individuals to treatment options at 440-350-2000.
Fraser asserted that treatment works and that people can recover.
“By reducing stigma and increasing access to services, we can help more individuals and families find the support they need,” she said.
For more information, visit HelpThatWorks.us.
