County receives quick response team grant

YOUNGSTOWN — The Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office received $125,000 from the Attorney General’s Office to create a quick response team to intervene after an overdose.

The team will consist of representatives from the Sheriff’s office and Meridian HealthCare. They will get in touch with overdose victims or their families within 48 hours to make them aware of treatment options in an attempt to prevent repeat overdoses.

Attorney General Mike Dewine made the announcement at a press conference in Strongsville this morning. The state awarded $3 million in grant funding to various agencies.

Duane Piccirilli, executive director of the county’s Mental Health and Recovery Board, said the county asked for $150,000, but was more than thrilled with $125,000.

“There were a lot of grants throughout the state, so we feel very fortunate that we got that amount,” he said.