HUNTINGTON– Huntington is considering creating a quick-response team to reach out to those who have overdosed.
The Herald-Dispatch reports it comes as officials in Colerain, Ohio visited Huntington on Monday to talk about their own program.
There, a team consisting of a police officer, a paramedic and a counselor visit a person’s home after an overdose. They provide information and maintain that relationship until the person gets into a treatment program.
Since starting in July 2015, the team has done nearly 250 follow-up investigations and almost 80 percent of people have entered some form of treatment.
Officials say it’s Huntington’s next step. Interim Fire Chief Jan Rader says a similar program would benefit Huntington first responders.
Colerain Township, located outside of Cincinnati, is Ohio’s 14th largest community with 60,000 residents.