With the opioid crisis sweeping across the country there are ballot measures across several Northeast Ohio counties related to fighting back.
Issue 9 in Cuyahoga County is a renewal of a 3.9-mill health and human resources levy. It provides support for drug addiction and treatment, along with MetroHealth’s LifeFlight and trauma and burn centers, as well as services for children and seniors.
Issue 3 in Lake County supports the county’s Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services Board. Lake County is also fighting to keep its crime lab open.
We don’t have to tell you an increase in drugs often brings an increase in crime.
In Medina County, voters will be asked to approve a new .2 percent sales tax — money that would go to support operating costs for the jail, the sheriff’s office, and the county’s courts.
In Lorain County, residents will be presented with the option to renew a mental health levy first passed in 1973. While not targeted specifically at opioids, it does help those dealing with trauma at home — especially children.
“They are impacted just by not having that safety net of support in the home because their home environment has been complicated by opiates,” executive director Kathleen Kern said.
This year, officials hope residents will continue to support Issue 4. It's a .6 mill renewal that supports mental health programs in the county.
In 2017, the Lorain County Board of Mental Health provided services to around 12,000 people.
Early voting is underway, and the election is on May 8.
