Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes ofwebsite accessibility

Operation Street Smart program makes a stop in Steubenville


{p}Created by the Franklin County Sheriff's Department in Columbus, Operation Street Smart is a statewide drug awareness program.{/p}

Created by the Franklin County Sheriff's Department in Columbus, Operation Street Smart is a statewide drug awareness program.

Facebook Share IconTwitter Share IconEmail Share Icon

Created by the Franklin County Sheriff's Department in Columbus, Operation Street Smart is a statewide drug awareness program.

On Monday, the program made a stop at the Sycamore Youth Center in Steubenville.

Overdose deaths among state residents have trended up during the previous 10 years, with a big jump in 2020, the year COVID-19 was discovered.

"Last year in 2021, over 100,000 people died from drug overdoses in 2021, nationally. So, we're asking the community to get involved to stop this trend," said Joe Rawson, program director, Family Recovery Center.

While the official data on state overdose deaths in 2021 won't be available until July 2022, according to Harm Reduction Ohio, Jefferson County is projected to break its overdose death record.

Columbiana and Guernsey counties may do so, as well.

"There is a lot of drug use, the kids talk about it, so I know that it happens, and so it starts with vaping and other activities that they're doing,” said Bobbyjon Bauman, director, Ohio Youth Network. “And so, they'll go ahead and just share what's going on with me. And so, it is a problem."

Operation Street Smart is designed to provide resources to keep kids away from drugs.

"It educates the adult public about drug trends,” Rawson said. “Parents, law enforcement, teachers and others in general with this knowledge to help prevent underage drinking and drug use. We'll have Narcan kits available, there will be no charge, as well as parent handbooks for those in attendance."

"They have a really interesting take on how the pandemic has affected the drug trade, and the drug trade is a billion, billion-dollar industry, and the pandemic has affected the drug trade just like it has many other industries across the world."

Loading ...