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Fight against heroin needed here at home

Attorney General Mike DeWine’s seventh town hall meeting to address the state’s heroin epidemic was held in Warren. That’s a good choice considering how much Trumbull County law enforcement agencies have struggled against this powerful drug.

Deaths related to heroin have increased steadily statewide over the last five years. In 2013, Ohio registered 900 deaths directly resulting from heroin use. DeWine estimates there were another 900 indirect deaths (those killed in accidents, crimes or some other activity while addicted to heroin).

DeWine has committed resources to provide heroin-fighting services to Ohio counties. It’s the first time the state has devoted resources to a single drug.

DeWine’s visit to Trumbull County was to support grassroots efforts to combat the epidemic. His office provides a conduit for grassroots groups statewide to share information, such as what programs have worked elsewhere and how to implement them here.

This is welcome assistance in Trumbull County, which recorded at least 13 direct heroin deaths last year (the numbers are not yet finalized).

editorial@tribtoday.com

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