CANTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – The Canton Township police and fire departments are joining together with local health organizations and Growth Works Inc. to address opioid abuse in the Canton community.
In this year alone, the departments have responded to 24 overdoses racking up the total to 47 overdoses since January 2015, according to the Canton Township police. Of these overdoses, police said 66 percent of individuals fall in between the ages of 18-30 years old.
"The increase in runs Canton Public Safety is responding to for individuals experiencing a drug overdose is alarming, and unfortunately, aligns with the upward trend being experienced throughout the state and nation," Public Safety Director Joshua Meier said.
Their plan to fight opioid abuse in the community comes in two practices:
- Departments will continue providing services to the community including educational programs, prosecution of drug offenses, and treatment for overdose patients.
- A new partnership with Growth Works, Inc., aims to secure resources for proactive approaches toward reducing drug abuse in Canton.
Growth Works, Inc., is a private, non-profit organization serving youth and families in the Western Wayne County since 1971. The agency provides innovative chemical dependency and substance abuse programs for addicts and recovering addicts.
Prescription Opioid Overdose Deaths in the US | HealthGrove
Across the nation, heroin overdose deaths have tripled from 2010 to 2013 and according to federal prosecutors, the number from all drug overdoses exceeded 43,000 individuals in 2014.
“Opioid abuse has no socio or economic boundaries-addicts are not just street people or junkies-they can be your friends, co-workers or relatives," Deputy Police Chief Debra Newsome said. "Their addiction usually results in tragedy for those around them."