Frontline workers dedicate their lives to help people in our community every day. As your local Mental Health and Recovery Board, we want to take a moment and recognize their commitment to save lives and being community heroes.
Thanks to the tireless efforts of frontline workers, Ohio has seen a decrease in deaths involving heroin in recent years. However, we are still facing an unprecedented addiction and overdose epidemic and Ohio’s frontline workers need our continued support. The Week of Appreciation is an opportunity to show support and appreciation to those who work directly with individuals struggling to overcome substance use disorders. This includes police officers, firefighters, EMTs, children’s services workers, emergency department staff, and anyone else who may experience burnout or secondary trauma as a result of their work with individuals with addiction. Local Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health (ADAMH) Boards will work with their County Hubs to plan and host events and activities to thank local frontline workers (OACBHA, 2020).
Mental Health Recovery Board, serving Belmont, Harrison, and Monroe county hosts the week of appreciation week from 9/20-9/26/2020. We placed banners and billboards throughout the counties, showed TV commercials during the week, and sent care packages to the local frontline workers. If you know someone who works as a frontline worker, please take a moment to recognize their commitment and display your appreciation.
The Governor DeWine Video Message:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_88MPag2A0&feature=youtu.be
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost Video Message:
https://www.facebook.com/OhioAttorneyGeneral/videos/2340719436251773/
OhioMHAS Director Lori Criss Video Message:
https://www.oacbha.org/docs/first_responders_appreciation.mp4
Virtual Community Connection and Support
Resources:
Being frontline workers and community heroes require a strong commitment, and frontline workers are at risk of repeated exposure to trauma. As a community, we need to support our local heroes and recognize the impact of their work on their emotional well-being. If you are struggling or you know someone who is struggling, please reach out and use community resources.
Local System of Care in Belmont, Harrison, and Monroe Counties:
https://bhmboard.org/system-of-care/
Nami Support Group Information: