State responds to Trumbull call for help with drug abuse problem

State Rep. Sean O’Brien, law enforcement and drug-treatment officials spoke by conference call today with state leaders to attack the Trumbull County drug-abuse problem, which killed eight last week among more than 30 overdoses.

O’Brien, of Bazetta Township, D-63rd, said he initiated a conversation about the overdose problem Wednesday with Gov. John Kasich while meeting with him about a Vienna Township oil spill.

The governor “immediately asked his staff to come up with an answer,” O’Brien said today during a news conference at the Trumbull County Sheriff’s Office.

That led to the conference call and a commitment from Kasich that short-term help will be provided immediately in the form of around 500 naloxone kits being provided to local law enforcement and health officials.

Read more about what local officials are planning to counter the problem in Friday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.