An Opioid Misuse Townhall in Chillicothe included several sources of information, including representatives from Northwest Health Services, the Chillicothe Police Department, Chillicothe Fire Department, Livingston County Health Center, DEA, and a local parent who lost her son to a Fentanyl overdose.
DEA representative JD Roberts says the drugs are brought in from China through Mexico. They are made to look like other prescription medications, but in many cases are laced with Fentanyl. The dosage of the opioid is not consistent and varies depending on the pill.
The drugs are brought to locations like Kansas City or Columbia and are distributed from there, brought by outsiders to the local communities. They are also being sent through the mail.
Several speakers urged those that see someone having an overdose to call for help. They say “Don’t run – Call 911” If you call to save a life you will not be in trouble, arrested or prosecuted if you are in possession of drugs or high. You will simply save a life.
They also urged those that are addicted to realize addiction is a disease… there is no shame in asking for help!
