In an effort to address the growing problems related to heroin and other opiate addiction in Troy, including increases in emergency response, medical related costs, and crime, Troy Mayor Michael Beamish and his staff are pleased to announce the formation of Miami County’s first Quick Response Team (QRT). The QRT is an effort aimed at encouraging opiate-addicted Troy residents to receive rehabilitation treatment within 72 hours of an overdose. At its July 5th regular meeting, Troy City Council passed a resolution of support for the Mayor’s initiative, which will include a Troy Firefighter/Paramedic, Troy Police Officer, a counselor from the Miami County Recovery Council and, when possible, a member of Troy’s extensive faith-based community, to assist overdose victims to seek treatment for their addiction. The QRT will operate for a pilot period of 12 months, during which time the City will measure and monitor the success of the program to determine whether to continue beyond the first year.
To draw attention to this growing problem, in response to helping those suffering from addictions and their families, a Hope Over Heroin event will be held at the Miami County Fairgrounds on July 8 and 9, with the following schedule:
Friday, July 8th
6pm – Gates Open
7pm - Main Event
Saturday, July 9th
12pm - Gates Open
12-4pm – City of Resources/Kid’s Activities/Free Food/Games/Music
4pm – Miami County Heroin Coalition and Mayors’ Welcome
4:20pm – City of Resources
4:40pm – Collaboration of Churches
5pm – Prayer & Memorial March to Courthouse and returning (Harrison/Water Streets)
6-7pm – City of Resources/Kid’s Activities/Free Food/Games/Music
7pm – Main Event
As a matter of information, the City of Troy is posting a brochure on the City’s website (www.troyohio.gov) which provides a listing of resources available for residents of Miami County and surrounding counties to help address substance abuse and addiction treatment and mental health services. The brochure can be viewed by clicking the link at the bottom of the ‘Community’ header at the top of the homepage on the website.