25 & Alive

05/26/2020

Overdose Alert
ADAMHS Board of Cuyahoga County

Cuyahoga County is continuing to see an increase in overdose deaths locally in Cuyahoga County and the state has issued an alert related to ED visits for drug injuries. We are also seeing an almost 17% increase in Cuyahoga County ED drug-related visits for the month of May compared to this same time in April.

Naloxone is an op**te blocker (antagonist) that can reverse the effects of an op**te overdose. The ADAMHS Board encourages everyone in the community to carry naloxone. Please share information for Project DAWN with all of your stakeholders.

Fentanyl test strips are available through funding from the County Executive and the ADAMHS Board. Fentanyl test strips are easy to use and can detect fentanyl in drug residue. Anyone using illicit drugs – he**in, co***ne, crack – can use these strips to see if the drugs they bought contain fentanyl and make an informed decision about using that drug. Learn more about fentanyl test strips and where to get them at testyourdrugscc.com. Want to become a fentanyl test strip distribution site? Please contact Beth Zietlow-DeJesus, Director of External Affairs.

If you know someone struggling with substance use, make sure they know about fentanyl test strips and Project DAWN. Help us share the message and save lives: "Your drugs may contain fentanyl. Test your drugs, never use alone and carry Naloxone/Narcan."

Are you or someone you know ready for help? Call the 24-hour Su***de Prevention, Mental Health/Addiction Crisis, Information and Referral Hotline at 216-623-6888.

2 red lines = negative - Your product MAY contain a different fentanyl analogue not showing up positive. OR your sample may not contain fentanyl. It still may not be the drug you paid for.

05/20/2020

May 19, 2020: Medical Examiner: 9 Overdose Deaths in 48 Hours

CLEVELAND – Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner Dr. Thomas Gilson, today issued a public health alert, stating that Cuyahoga County has suffered 9 suspected overdose deaths in 48 hours. Toxicology testing has not yet confirmed which drug(s) have caused this recent increase. The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office is continuing to monitor fatality trends during the COVID-19 shutdown.

“The Medical Examiner’s Office has seen 9 fatalities in last 48 hours which is measurably higher than what we have been seeing for the first four months of 2020. The interruption of drug use due to COVID-19 may mean users tolerance has dropped and therefore they are at higher risk of overdose and fatality,” said Dr. Gilson. “Additionally, any disruption of the illicit drug supply due to COVID-19 may mean that users are subject to a wide variety of other dangerous substances being substituted without their knowledge.”

FREE fentanyl test strips are available at the following locations:
Circle Health Services (12201 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106 | 216.721.4010)
Care Alliance Clinic (2916 Central Avenue Cleveland, OH 44115 | 216.535.9100)
Care Alliance Clinic (1530 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland OH 44114 | 216.781.6724)

If you or anyone that you know is actively using or recovering from opioid addiction, contact Project DAWN for information at 216-778-5677. Eligible program participants, are given FREE Naloxone kits – the opioid reversing antidote.

Additionally, the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board of Cuyahoga County provides a 24-hour crisis hotline at 216-623-6888.

12/08/2018

A batch of pills made with fentanyl and disguised as oxycodone has prompted the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office to issue a public health warning over the possibility of potential overdoses for anyone taking street drugs.

11/23/2018

Just because Thanksgiving is over doesn't mean we stop being thankful. As you put your phones away this coming week, reflect as a family how thankful you are for each other! Don't forget to mark your calendars for the Tree Lighting on December 1st, where we will kick off 2019's with photos you take at Tree Lighting for a chance to win $100 Holiday Cash!

No Cell November! Our biggest challenge yet! Families -- do your best to set your phones aside to spend some quality family time this Holiday Season. Use some of your extra time to talk about things you're thankful for!

Post your pictures and stories below as a comment for your chance to win this month's $50 Amazon gift card!

11/16/2018

We're halfway through our No Cell November Challenge! Keep your stories and pictures coming for your chance to win this month's $50 gift card! Tell us what you're thankful for!

No Cell November! Our biggest challenge yet! Families -- do your best to set your phones aside to spend some quality family time this Holiday Season. Use some of your extra time to talk about things you're thankful for!

Post your pictures and stories below as a comment for your chance to win this month's $50 Amazon gift card!

11/09/2018

How many nights has your family made it without your phones? We upped the ante for this difficult challenge for ! Be sure to check out the post below and show us your pictures!

No Cell November! Our biggest challenge yet! Families -- do your best to set your phones aside to spend some quality family time this Holiday Season. Use some of your extra time to talk about things you're thankful for!

Post your pictures and stories below as a comment for your chance to win this month's $50 Amazon gift card!

10/31/2018

No Cell November! Our biggest challenge yet! Families -- do your best to set your phones aside to spend some quality family time this Holiday Season. Use some of your extra time to talk about things you're thankful for!

Post your pictures and stories below as a comment for your chance to win this month's $50 Amazon gift card!

09/13/2018

On average, one in five high school students seriously considers su***de, the second leading cause of death for Ohio teens.

On Sunday, Sept. 16th, learn from a professional LifeAct educator how to identify the warning signs and what to do when someone is struggling.

RSVP @ 216-524-6054 for the FREE dinner (5PM) and the presentation (6PM). Please attend and encourage others to attend.

When: Sunday, September 16, 2018, Dinner 5PM, Program @ 6PM
Where: Independence United Methodist Church, 6615 Brecksville Rd.

08/03/2018

The biggest reason students do not reach their full potential is because they give up what they want most for what they want at the moment.

The COMMUNITY COMMITTED campaign is about providing support to students, athletes, coaches, teachers, community leaders and parents. This campaign urges everyone to renew their commitment to living a life of excellence!

Topics include controlling stress levels, training and recovery, sleep habits, nutrition and substance use.

Please join us for this free event.

07/02/2018

Check out July's challenge, Nature Photo Opps! Snap a pic of your family enjoying the great outdoors together and comment it below! One winner will be selected for a $25 Amazon Gift Card! Grab your camera and your sunscreen and let's see where your family ends up together! 😎🏕️🏖️🏜️🏝️🏞️

05/16/2018

It's going to be tough to say goodbye to this lady! What a privilege it has been to work and serve with her. Thank you Mark Ford for this beautiful tribute.

In last week’s blog I wrote about “Giving Honor to Whom Honor Is Due” and talked about the people we honor at our Annual Awards Breakfast. I didn’t plan it this way (I wish I had that much forethought!), but this week is a continuation of that same theme, as I have the opportunity to honor a...

05/15/2018

Don't miss your chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card! May's Challenge is to cook dinner together! Post your pics and stories using !