Opioid epidemic: Ohio House recognizes faith-based efforts to combat addiction

The opioid epidemic is taking thousands of lives every year, both in Ohio and throughout the United States.

State Rep. Ron Young, R-Leroy Township, said that an “all hands on deck” approach is needed to ensure that an entire generations of Ohio is not lost in the crisis.

The Ohio House recently passed a resolution sponsored by Young along with Salem Republican Timothy Ginter that recognizes the statewide efforts of faith-based communities in helping the victims of the epidemic.

“House Resolution 299 is simply a statement from this esteemed chamber that tells the public that we recognize just how big of a deal this crisis is, and we need ‘all hands on deck,’ including those in the faith-based community,” Young told the House State and Local Government Committee in February.

Young said drug addiction affects the whole person, damaging not just someone’s physical condition but also their mental and spiritual conditions.

Faith-based communities provide value to Ohioans because they “reach out to empower those suffering from addiction in a way that addresses the whole person,” Young said.

“The kind of outreach offered by faith-based communities creates a unique perspective on emerging from the cycle of addiction — a perspective based on a trust in something stronger than one’s own self and coupled with empathy and selflessness,” he said.

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