CLEVELAND — Cuyahoga County and the board of health are partnering with MetroHealth System to expand its Quick Response Teams— a team made up of a MetroHealth social worker and a police officer that visits the home of someone who recently overdosed as a way to offer support and treatment options.
Those who have suffered an overdose are at a higher risk to overdose again. They’re also often more receptive to receiving treatment. The Quick Response Teams visit a person’s house to offer support and connect them to resources.
AB: The experts tell us that the COVID-19 pandemic has turned up the risks of drug addiction. Many in Cuyahoga County continue to suffer from drug addiction and many continue to die. This year, COVID-19 deaths in the County will outpace overdose deaths, but not by much.
— Cuyahoga County (@CuyahogaCounty) October 2, 2020
Quick Response Teams has been tested out in a few communities, including Parma, where Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish said it’s seeing “good results.”
“It’s been a terrific model of collaboration between the health system and the justice system,” Budish said.
Starting Monday, October 5, the program will be expanding throughout Cleveland.
If you know someone ready for treatment, call the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services 24/7 hotline at 216-623-6888.
