Lives being changed in Warren, Butler and Clinton counties with help from Heroin Hopeline.

It is difficult to turn on the local news without seeing a report of the latest opiate-related arrest or incident. Multiple billboards can be seen next to interstate highways throughout the Tri-State reminding people of the challenges of addiction or asking to report drug dealers. These stories are a reflection of a society in crisis, a society in need of hope. Nearly everyone in Greater Cincinnati has been affected directly or indirectly by this epidemic. Too often the headlines are of struggle and despair instead of hope.

A new source of hope for Warren, Butler and Clinton counties arrived in 2015 and was launched at scale in January 2016. The Heroin Hopeline and associated website heroinhopeline.org were developed to be a source of help and hope for those struggling with addiction and their families. The Hopeline is focused on making it easier for those affected to navigate the path to recovery that can be confusing and frustrating. Fueled by a clear brand name, easy to use website and highly responsive Facebook page, the Heroin Hopeline is designed to remove barriers to seeking help. For example, heroinhopeline.org was developed as a mobile optimized site with easy click-to-call technology.

The core of the Heroin Hopeline are care coordinators Sean Blyth and Lindsey Ervin. Blyth and Ervin follow up directly with everyone who calls the Hopeline and help them navigate the road to recovery. They offer free guidance on finding counseling, treatment centers, detox and insurance. 

“We focus on increasing the likelihood of recovery by removing barriers and providing support,” says Blyth. Both positions are funded by private money generated by nonproft 1 City (onecity.org), which has raised more than $250,000 to combat the heroin epidemic. This effort was created by local residents to attack this problem in a new way – providing hope. 

The new approach used by the Heroin Hopeline (holistic care/guidance and increased ease of access via digital technology) has already shown impressive results. The Heroin Hopeline has provided help to an average of 30-to-60 individuals per month since its launch less than a year ago – a number that’s increasing with new social media-driven awareness.

 Ervin puts it best; “It’s exciting to see the numbers and growth of the Hopeline, but the true reward is in the heartfelt thanks from family members of those struggling with addiction.”

You can reach the Heroin Hopeline at 877.695.6333 in Clinton and Warren counties and 844.427.4747 in Butler County, For more information, visit heroinhopeline.org.