State Representative Robert Sprague hosts Roundtable
Early last week, our Advocacy and Public Policy department hosted an Opiate Roundtable with State Representative Robert Sprague and Chamber members from a variety of fields to discuss the impact opiate abuse and drug addictions have on our region. It is a tragic and life threatening problem effecting our citizens and subsequently, our businesses ability to fill the workforce. Many of the attendees shared their frustrations about finding potential employees that can successfully pass a drug test. Fortunately, there are a number of community resources available to both employers and employees to assist individuals who have an addiction that want to seek help.
| Attendees from both the private and non-profit sector, including Lucas County Sheriff John Tharp, shared with Representative Sprague their angle on the issue and offered ideas for solutions, from increasing funding for detox beds in the state, requiring regulations that address overprescribing, and assisting employers who provide second chances to individuals. It was cited that in the last 10 years there has been a 10-fold increase in the number of narcotics coming out of the medical system. Representative Sprague discussed Bill 248 with the group, a bill that he sponsors, currently in the House that would require opiates to be “uncrushable.” This would help to eliminate a step in the addiction progression and require prior authorization for prescribers to ensure that people are trying every means of managing chronic pain before turning to prescription drugs. He also shared information on the HB249, the so-called “Good Samaritan” pending bill in the House which would give immunity for minor drug possession if someone were to call 911 in the instance of an overdose. Oftentimes, drug abusers are afraid of punishment, which prevents them from calling when help is needed. Rep. Sprague stated, “We want to encourage saving a life.” With the Good Samaritan bill, those that are offered immunity would receive a screening and proper intervention. | Get informed...Rarely do people try heroine or other “street” drugs out of the blue. The addiction cycle is typically a progression that begins with an injury or some type of chronic pain that is treated with prescription pain medication. Addiction Progression:
Heroine is 20x stronger and much cheaper on the street than prescription drugs, so those that have followed this progression naturally shift toward heroine. |
Nearly every industry in the Toledo Region has been impacted by this problem, and we aren’t alone. This is a state and national issue that requires your help and attention. Join the conversation and take measures to encourage prevention in your workplace and in your home and when necessary support recovery services.
How can you help?
- Responsibly dispose of prescriptions when they are no longer needed
- Have an open conversation with your families and employees about the effects of drugs
- Support second entry programs for recovering addicts to help reintegrate them in the workforce
The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce hosts a number of roundtables every year to facilitate conversations on issues facing our member businesses. For more information or to participate, please reach out to our events manager, Marsha Schroeder.
For more information about our blog, to inquire about a feature, or to share news about your business, please contact Emily Dammeyer, Communications Manager, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce.
RSS Feed
