WQIO Ohio's Super Station
The Ashland County Juvenile Court is seeking a portion of the county’s opioid settlement funding to expand drug education and prevention efforts aimed at young people and families.
Court officials recently presented a proposal to county commissioners requesting funding to purchase additional educational materials and medical training models that demonstrate the physical effects of opioid addiction and overdose. The resources would be used during presentations in schools and throughout the community as part of the court’s ongoing prevention efforts.
Juvenile Court officials say the county has made progress addressing substance abuse, but education remains one of the most effective tools for preventing addiction before it starts. The additional equipment would allow the court to expand outreach programs and provide more hands-on demonstrations for students, parents and community organizations.
The request would be funded through money Ohio is receiving as part of national opioid settlement agreements with pharmaceutical companies. Counties across the state have been using settlement dollars to support addiction treatment, recovery services, prevention initiatives and law enforcement programs.
Court officials said the investment would strengthen existing educational programs while giving staff additional resources to engage young people in conversations about the dangers of opioid misuse.
Ashland County commissioners are expected to continue reviewing the request before deciding how the settlement funds will be distributed.
