Legislative panel to have hearings on drug epidemic

Associated Press

COLUMBUS

A legislative summer committee on Ohio’s drug epidemic plans four meetings in August and September to hear testimony from state agencies, law enforcement and the public.

It will focus on law- enforcement officials’ needs and experiences regarding drug problems, as well as drugs’ effects on families.

The committee of 10 Ohio lawmakers is led by Republican Rep. Dorothy Pelanda of Marysville. Hearings will take place Aug. 19 in Wilmington, Aug. 27 in Marion, Sept. 3 in North Canton and Sept. 9 in Cincinnati.

Topics will range from community impact and scope of the drug problem, prevention, coordination of law enforcement and treatment and recovery.