Drug abuse, mental illness, COVID spark increase in New Philadelphia fire calls

NEW PHILADELPHIA — The COVID-19 pandemic helped lead to a marked increase in the number of calls answered by the New Philadelphia Fire Department in 2021, Mayor Joel Day reported at Monday's council meeting. 

Firefighters responded to 3,502 calls last year, 452 more than in 2020, Day said. People sick with COVID symptoms accounted for some of the calls.

Fire Chief Jim Parrish noted that 32% of the calls were related to drug abuse and mental illness. "This is concerning for our community," Day said.

The New Philadelphia Police Department recorded 11,409 calls in 2021, about a thousand less than the previous year, he said.

"I haven’t received the exact number yet, but I do know that many of the calls in 2021 were related to drug abuse, domestic violence and homelessness," the mayor said.

"Help is available for people suffering from addiction and mental illness, starting with the local Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board. Call them at 330-364-6488."