Project C.H.O.I.C.E.S.- Past & Present

On November 16, 2015, the largest gathering of Guernsey County community leaders was convened to address the opioid epidemic occurring in our county, our state and our nation. Ray Chorey, (now retired) President & CEO of SEORMC, facilitated this event and organized a panel of community experts from an array of professions to share their insights, efforts, and recommendations for addressing this plague on our community. Representatives from various social service agencies, our faith communities, schools, area law enforcement, the judicial system, local government, area businesses, etc. were in attendance. This large scale community meeting was prompted after a massive response from citizens who attended a community meeting initiated by the Guernsey County Farm Bureau at the Cambridge Municipal Courthouse. Many of these same representatives and concerned continued to meet to develop a vision statement for what is now known as “C.H.O.I.C.E.S”.

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OBJECTIVE

An overall reduction in drug usage, related illegal activity and negative effects through community involvement, education, prevention and a dedication for an improved quality of life in Guernsey County.

Mission To develop a community-wide collaborative for innovation and sustainable resources to achieve our vision.

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Vision Building together a healthy, safe and drug free community.

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Mission To develop a community-wide collaborative for innovation and sustainable resources to achieve our vision.

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TREATMENT

Drug “Take Back” locations were designated at Riesbeck’s and Dollar General for residents to safely dispose of unused medications. Medication Disposal Bags which “de-activate” prescription pain pills and allow them to be safely disposed of in trash were obtained by the Guernsey County Farm Bureau and provided to various social service agencies. C.H.O.I.C.E.S. assisted with the purchase of a virtual driving simulator for the Cambridge Police Department and Guernsey Sheriffs Office to educate area students on the dangers and consequences of distracted &/or impaired driving. The Chamber of Commerce with the assistance of the MIIRS Board launched a “Drug Free Workplace” initiative to identify policies to assist employees with their rehabilitation and recovery. During the summer of 2018, C.H.O.I.C.E.S. and members of the community made donations to the Salvation Army’s Summer Lunch Program to purchase lunch bags with various age appropriate slogans.

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