Important Reforms to Indiana Medicaid Addiction Recovery Programs
Fraud allegations against an Indianapolis drug rehab are prompting important reforms in Medicaid funding for addiction treatment.
Prosecutors have charged Kevin Calver of TRUTH Treatment Centers with 43 counts of fraud and one count of theft. They allege that Calvert fraudulently billed Indiana Medicaid for more than $2.7 million in addiction recovery and mental health services.
The allegations are inspiring legislators, industry regulators and healthcare providers to make significant and much-needed improvements to Medicaid-funded mental health and addiction treatment programs.
Suspicious Activity Raises Alarms
On January 17th, 2024, the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) made a report to Indiana’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU). The FSSA had identified certain irregularities in the fraudulent bills Mr Calvert had allegedly filed, most notably that the listed physician in charge is an anesthesiologist from outside the state of Indiana.
The anesthesiologist told investigators that he was surprised to see his name attached to the TRUTH Treatment Center claims and confirmed that the signature on these documents was not his.
Indiana Attorney General (AG) Todd Rokita directed the MFCU to investigate further and Mr Calvert was subsequently charged. His first appearance was held on October 29th, 2025.
Protecting Vulnerable Patients and Medicaid Integrity
AG Rokita explained that the aggressive action taken by the investigative unit was driven by a responsibility to protect Indiana’s resources from fraud. He highlighted that Medicaid funds are meant to help individuals from low income households get the medical and mental health care they need. This includes access to life saving addiction treatment.
Rokita concluded by affirming that his team would continue to protect the vulnerable by ensuring that Indiana’s tax dollars go where they’re supposed to and called on the public to report suspected fraud to his office.
How Medicaid Oversight Protects Treatment Access
The MCFU’s investigation centered mainly on documentary evidence. Medicaid claims in Indiana have several requirements an applicant must fulfill, one of which is that treatment plans for mental health or addiction must be approved by a licensed professional (e.g, physicians, psychologists, etc.).
These standards protect the integrity of the Medicaid claims process by requiring applicants to work with professionals with official recognition.
Not only was the physician’s information in the impugned documents allegedly falsified, but investigators also found that TRUTH had employed its own unlicensed graduates as counselors. In the wake of these events, those reliant on Medicaid can be assured that the AG’s office is involved in protecting the program from exploitation.
Affordable, Accredited Treatment Is Still Available
Despite isolated cases of fraud, Medicaid remains an essential pathway to low cost addiction treatment in Indiana and throughout the US. If you or a loved one needs help, affordable programs are available.
Explore accredited Medicaid funded addiction treatment centers in Indiana or call
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Cost doesn’t have to stand in the way of recovery. High quality, low cost care is within reach. Start today.
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Medicare Telehealth Coverage Ends in Shutdown
Medicare telehealth coverage was suspended in the wake of the government shutdown, reports say. And clinicians and patients alike are scrambling to find affordable and accessible alternatives for medical and mental health care.
Telehealth Was a Lifeline for Many
Since 2020, telehealth flexibilities have been in place to increase access to healthcare. Policies shaped by urgent needs during the pandemic have remained in place to ensure patients continue to receive the care they need.
Now, for many Americans, telehealth appointments have become commonplace and those seeking mental health and addiction recovery services are no exception. And for many, they are the only feasible means of receiving potentially life-saving treatment. But these patients may be forced to find alternatives.
Due to the federal shutdown, healthcare providers across the U.S. are informing Medicare and Medicaid patients that their telehealth options will not be covered. They can no longer schedule telehealth visits.
Expired Waivers Affect Millions of Patients
As of October 1, 2025, waivers established in the pandemic era expired. These waivers allowed patients to get care such as wellness visits, prescription refills, and mental health counseling through virtual appointments in their homes.
With the federal government shut down, the waivers are not being renewed, and no new policies are being established to replace these services. As a result, patients are receiving notices that they cannot schedule telehealth/video appointments. They must contact their provider to schedule an in-person visit.
For some, this may cause a slight inconvenience. For others, the change could have a significant impact. Patients who have a physical disability, transportation limitations, or other health issues that make it difficult or impossible to attend in-person visits may be scrambling to get the care they need. Others may be capable of attending in-person visits, but the care they need isn’t available nearby.
The Cost Barrier to Care
In some situations, one option may be for individuals to keep their virtual appointments but the services won’t be covered by Medicaid or Medicare. This means they can receive virtual care, but it will cost them. And it’s likely a cost they can’t afford.
Some providers are continuing to offer telehealth options in hopes that policies will be restored and reimbursement will be retroactive. But this is a risk not everyone is willing or able to take.
Advocating for patients, ATA Action (part of the American Telemedicine Association) has urged Congress to reinstate the flexibilities. However, with the government shut down, any action steps are currently on hold.
If you’re affected by this change, free and low cost rehab programs are still available nationwide through nonprofit and state funded organizations.
Low Cost Alternatives for Addiction Treatment
If you’ve lost access to Medicare or Medicaid covered telehealth services, consider looking into some of these affordable options:
- State funded rehab facilities that accept Medicaid, Medicare or sliding scale fees
- Nonprofit and faith based programs may offer free or donation based treatment
- Community health centers offer in person and hybrid addiction recovery programs
- SAMHSA resources like the treatment locator to find federally funded rehab centers
Find Help Today
You don’t have to go without care during the shutdown. Explore low and no cost addiction treatment programs in your area and find free local resources for mental health and recovery.
You can also call
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Kentucky Medicaid Reforms Aim to Expand Addiction Care
This October, 10 nonprofit organizations across Kentucky formed the Kentucky Nonprofit Recovery Alliance (KNRA) to advocate for reforms to how Medicaid funds addiction treatment. The group hopes to improve access to affordable, high quality care for residents seeking help for substance use disorders.
Advocating for Value Based Medicaid Funding
Among the KNRA’s main goals is a Medicaid model that rewards treatment outcomes like long term sobriety, employment stability and healthy births rather than simply reimbursing providers for services rendered. The coalition also wants to develop a clearer statewide system for referring patients to appropriate, evidence based treatment programs.
Kentucky’s Continuing Addiction Crisis
Despite a recent decline in overdose deaths, Kentucky still faces a significant addiction crisis. More than 2.5% of residents aged 12 and older meet the criteria for opioid addiction.
Kentucky currently has the highest number of treatment beds per 100,000 residents of any US state. Yet access to care remains uneven. Advocates say this points to deeper systemic issues including how Medicaid funds and prioritizes addiction treatment services.
Nonprofits Push for Outcome Based Care
Jennifer Hancock is the President and CEO of Volunteers of America Mid States and one of the founding members of the KNRA. She explains that Medicaid’s reimbursement structure often rewards volume over value.
Her organization has a different type of contract with Medicaid where they’re paid for positive outcomes. For example, her organization is paid when they can successfully deliver healthy babies born without exposure to substances and when they graduate mothers from their specialized program with stable employment and housing.
According to Hancock, the group is beginning to discuss policy proposals to redesign the system with the Medical Oversight and Advisory Board of the Kentucky legislature. They feel like now is one of the best moments to ask for this change, since Medicaid reform is currently a topic that’s at the top of everyone’s minds.
Find Free and Low Cost Addiction Treatment in Kentucky
If you’re seeking low or no cost addiction treatment through Kentucky Medicaid or other funding options, you have resources available.
Search for free and low cost rehabs in Kentucky and compare treatment centers that accept Medicaid, Medicare, or sliding scale payment options. Or call
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Arizona Medicaid Cuts Impact Women’s Addiction Treatment
$375,000. That’s how much Arizona Medicaid owes one women’s addiction treatment center in Tucson. And reports say the Medicaid funds are two years overdue which is putting essential recovery services at risk.
Medicaid Fraud Fallout
Why is Medicaid so delayed in reimbursing The Haven, an inpatient recovery center? The funding pause is part of a domino effect following a massive fraud scandal in 2023.
Authorities discovered that some treatment providers were submitting false claims for Medicaid funds to cover addiction treatment that were never provided. The fraudulent activity targeted vulnerable populations, primarily Native Americans.
Medicaid’s Impact on Arizona Women’s Addiction Treatment
The fraudulent claims, submitted to the Arizona Health Cost Containment System (AHCCS), cost Arizona tax payers an estimated $2.8 billion. In an effort to stop this Medicaid scheme, the state began requiring more documentation for claims and suspended payment to providers.
Caught in the crosshairs of this response, centers like The Haven—which has no connection to the fraud—are struggling to stay open.
Amy Graves, Haven CEO, is calling current AHCCS policies an “overcorrection.” She explained that 95% of the organizations operating budget comes from Arizona Medicaid reimbursements.
Founded in 1970, The Haven offers both inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment programs for women. This includes their unique Native Ways Program, a specialized program which helps Native American and Indigenous women recover through cultural healing traditions.
Funding Women’s Treatment Amid Medicaid Cuts
The Haven’s staff recently brought their case before the Arizona State Senate Committee on Health and Human Services. They are urging lawmakers to release overdue Medicaid funds. Administrators, clinicians, and patients shared how these payment delays threaten vital programs and disrupt recovery for women in need.
The Haven is just one of more than 300 addiction treatment providers currently suspended from receiving Medicaid payments in Arizona.
Low Cost Addiction Treatment Options
While these cuts are creating uncertainty, women in Arizona still have options for affordable care. In addition to Medicaid and Medicare, many centers offer sliding-scale fees, state and federal grants, and scholarship based rehab programs.
Low and no cost addiction treatment is available for those who qualify. This includes specialized women’s rehabs, outpatient programs, and holistic recovery options.
Find Free and Low Cost Rehabs Near You
If you or someone you love needs help, affordable addiction treatment is available. Explore free and low cost rehabs in Arizona on Rehabs.org or call
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Medicaid Key to Opioid Addiction Treatment Access
With the opioid crisis still raging across the country researchers have found that some states are quickly losing ground but others have improved in treatment options. But a recent study has revealed the critical role that Medicaid benefits play in accessing life-saving opioid addiction medications.
A Widening Treatment Gap
According to the recent Rutgers Health study progress in treatments using medication has decreased in recent years. Although these medications save lives and ease the sometimes terrible discomfort of withdrawal, some of the people who need it most simply can’t afford it.
One of the crucial ingredients for treatment access is Medicaid. The report mentioned the expansion of Medicaid in 2018 led to an increase in prescriptions used to treat opioid abuse. Those states that haven’t noted reductions in treatments after 2022.
The research went on to show that Medicaid funding and policies played crucial roles in treatment rates by population. The data came from insurance claims submitted to Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance across states between 2018 and 2024. During this time the country saw increased fatal overdose rates, despite national policy changes aimed at improving care.
Medicaid’s Role in Saving Lives
Even though effective treatment was available challenges in accessing care have been significant and pervasive.
Over 80,000 people died in 2024 from opioid overdoses. Because of financial barriers and policy confusion people weren’t always able to get the medications they needed to recover.
Persons who have low incomes and are uninsured or underinsured may be unaware of the state and federal programs they qualify for, including Medicaid. Those who need addiction treatment may also not realize that they may be able to access the addiction treatment they need through Medicaid. This includes access to critical medications such as buprenorphine.
Raising Awareness and Expanding Coverage
For many the challenge thus far in accessing treatment is that Medicaid policies are different depending on the state. One helpful initiative has been the removal of prior authorization requirements and increased reimbursement plans in states like New Jersey.
For instance states expanding Medicaid eligibility criteria noticed a 27.3% increase in prescribing rates for buprenorphine. But the states that didn’t expand saw a prescribing decline after 2022.
The study appears to illustrate two important findings. One is that progress is possible, and the other is that Medicaid funding is critical for medication access, overdose prevention and sustained recovery from opioid dependency.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, Rehabs.org lists affordable treatment centers nationwide.
Free rehab may even be an option.
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Largest Fentanyl Bust in Delaware History
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware recently announced the sentencing of the convicted felon at the center of the largest fentanyl drug bust in state history.
Dwayne Fountain of Middletown was sentenced to 25 years in a federal prison. He was sentenced to two counts of distribution of a controlled substance, four counts of possession with intent to distribute and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
A Massive Delaware Drug Trafficking Operation
Fountain’s conviction came after his trial in March 2025. The defendant was found to have been a leader of a drug trafficking organization, and Chief U.S. District Judge Colm F. Connolly pronounced his sentence. There were over ten kilograms of fentanyl seized from the drug trafficking organization.
The Dover Police Department and Delaware State Police worked together on a long term investigation headed up by the Drug Enforcement Administration The evidence showed that Dwayne Fountain added deadly ingredients such as xylazine to kilograms of drugs he obtained from his suppliers.
This made the drugs more profitable, potent and dangerous. Fountain had a kilogram press in one of his homes in Middletown. He used the press to make drug “bricks” after adding potent ingredients.
Fountain had a rented apartment in Bear, Delaware. There he stored the drugs. The agents executed search warrants that led to the confiscation of almost 3 kilograms of heroin, 200 grams of 100% pure methamphetamine, 10.5 kilograms of fentanyl and over 3.5 kilograms of cocaine.
Interdicting Drugs and Saving Lives
The government emphasized at Fountain’s sentencing hearing that he knowingly placed the public at risk by mixing and selling drugs known to cause frequent overdoses and fatalities. Fountain admitted on a recorded call that he knew these drugs could kill people.
He stated, “They said it’s too strong, come on man…We all got some sh*t that can make a [person] die. For real, for real. You gotta know how to mix it right.”
The drugs were kept in the same apartment where one of his teenage sons lived. On wiretapped calls, the defendant was heard coaching his other son about how to manage drug operations.
“The defendant well knew the danger he was causing, both to his own family and to the public. He sold drugs anyway, for no reason other than the desire to make money,” said U.S. Attorney Julianne E. Murray.
A Joint Law Enforcement Effort
William D. Crotty is the Superintendent of the Delaware State Police. He remarked that “This case serves as a reminder of the dangers our communities face from fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. The amount of fentanyl seized in this case could have led to countless overdoses. Thanks to the dedication and teamwork of our detectives and federal partners, a major supplier has been taken off the streets, and lives were undoubtedly saved.”
Thomas Hodnett is the Special Agent in charge of the DEA Philadelphia Field Division. He added that through the cooperation of law enforcement partners, Dwayne Fountain received a just sentence of 25 years for poisoning people through his distribution of dangerous drugs.
The two Assistant U.S. Attorneys who prosecuted the case were Jennifer K. Welsh and Samuel S. Frey. The investigating agencies included the Delaware State Police and the DEA Dover Post of Duty, with assistance from other agencies, including the DEA Scranton Resident Office, the Smyrna Police Department, the Delaware National Guard, the Delmar Police Department, and the Ocean View Police Department.
If you or someone you love is struggling with drug dependency, help is just one phone call away.
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U.S. Coast Guard Announces Record Drug Bust
The U.S. Coast Guard announced a record drug bust that took place recently, with a single operation. The action was performed by the crew of Hamilton, a U.S. Coast Guard Cutter, which seized more than 76,000 total pounds of illicit drugs, the largest bust in the service’s history.
The Department of Homeland Security announced that the drugs seized had a street value of approximately $473 million.
Operation Pacific Viper
Operation Pacific Viper is a partnership between the United States Navy and the Coast Guard. Currently, it’s pouring forces into the Eastern Pacific to immediately halt drug and human trafficking networks before they have a chance to hit American shores.
The Coast Guard completed 19 interceptions in international waters of the Caribbean Sea and the Eastern Pacific Ocean to defend our nation with a show of overwhelming strength and force.
A Mission to Save Lives
To put Operation Pacific Viper into clear context, it only takes 1.2 grams of cocaine to be considered lethal. That means the amount of cocaine offloaded into Port Everglades, Florida, which was over 61,000 pounds, could be enough to kill around 23 million people.
The Hamilton crew members have been stationed on the ship for the past two months. It is not an easy task to put themselves in harm’s way every time they challenge smugglers and attempt to apprehend illicit drugs.
However this Coast Guard record drug bust is only part of the effort put forth by President Trump to fight the numerous drug cartels coming in from Latin America. There is no end in sight, with ongoing operations underway.
The men and women of this mission are led by Homeland Security and are making a huge impact to stop the flow of drugs into the United States and end the lengthy cartel run.
Much to the dismay of smugglers, the operations seem to be working. The work is difficult and dangerous, but the partnerships are effective, and untold amounts of illicit drugs are being kept off American streets.
You can help put the traffickers out of business. If you’re struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, Rehabs.org lists qualified and affordable treatment centers in your area.
If you need immediate support, call
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Montana Lawmakers Confront Rising Gambling Addiction Crisis
Montana legislators are taking a stand against the gambling addiction crisis in the state. And in the process they’re also shining a spotlight on the gambling industry’s deceptive and exploitative practices.
An Underdiscussed Addiction
Gambling issues were first recognized in 1980 as an impulse control disorder classified under pathological gambling. In 2013, after years of research, the condition was renamed to gambling disorder and classified as an addictive disorder.
Although many treatment facilities have incorporated gambling disorder treatment into their programs, others seem slow to recognize the lives that are destroyed by this disorder.
Legislators Taking Action
If you look at a pack of cigarettes or any nicotine product you will find messages that are legally required about the addictiveness of the product and potential for health risks. Federal law and state laws require liquor stores to post signs about health risks.
Kelly Kortum, who serves as a member of the Montana House of Representatives from the 65th district, proposed a similar solution for problem gambling in a recent legislative session. HB 204 would require a sticker that displayed a gambling addiction hotline on every gambling machine in the state of Montana. The only cost would be the cost of the sticker to business owners.
The bill was voted down due in large part to the lobbying of the Montana Council of Problem Gambling. But proponents of the bill argue that the Council’s motives are, to say the least, conflicted.
Among the Council’s five board directors is the Government Affairs Director for the Montana Tavern Association. According to their website, “Our advocacy efforts have been very effective on the state level in passing legislation that benefits the industry.” The industry is Montana taverns, many of which feature onsite video gambling machines.
The Council’s other board members include the state executives for the Montana Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association.
In other words, the Council hires lobbyists who promote the gambling interests of their affiliated organizations. In Montana, for instance, convenience stores are legally allowed to operate up to 20 gambling machines onsite.
As stated by Kortum, this is “appointing the fox to guard the hen house.”
A Worsening Crisis
Perhaps as concerning as the number of Montanans affected is the rapid acceleration of the crisis. In 2016, Montana ranked 11th in the nation for gambling addiction.
In less than a decade, the crisis has significantly worsened and today Montana is the third most gambling-addicted state in the US, outranked only by South Dakota and Nevada.
There could be several reasons for Montana’s ranking. There’s a lack of gambling counselors in the state and businesses are not required to train their employees to recognize an addicted gambler. Gambling machines and casinos are prevalent throughout the state, including in taverns, convenience stores and other retail sites.
It’s estimated that 2.5% of Montanans are addicted to gambling. That’s about 25,000 people experiencing a disorder that can put their careers, their families and even their lives at risk.
The time to get serious about gambling addiction is now. If you or someone you love is facing a gambling disorder, help is available.
Rehabs.org connects you with affordable treatment centers specializing in gambling addiction or co-occurring disorders. You may even be able to qualify for free treatment.
Don’t gamble with your future. Reach out today.
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NHTSA Launches Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Ahead of Labor Day
As the long Labor Day weekend approaches, the U.S. The Department of Transportation’s National Highway Safety Administration has launched its yearly Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. The initiative is designed to reduce the number of impaired drivers on the nation’s roadways and to decrease alcohol-related injuries and fatalities as Americans mark the unofficial end of the summer season.
The Tragic Cost of Driving Impaired
During an event at the National Park Service’s Netherlands Carillon in Arlington, Virginia, NHTSA Chief Counsel Peter Simshauser warned about the dangers of driving drunk or high. He was joined by Stacey Stewert, CEO of Mothers Against Drunk Driving and Rose Kehoe and Kris Meade of Arlington, parents of a teen who was tragically killed by an impaired driver.
In Simshauser’s words, “Impaired driving is totally preventable, yet more than 12,000 people are killed each year because someone selfishly decides to drive under the influence. Law enforcement officers nationwide are joining us to help stop impaired drivers and save lives. Make the responsible choice ahead of Labor Day Weekend and plan ahead–arrange for a sober ride home. Yours is not the only life at stake.”
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over
Nearly a third of all traffic fatalities in our country involve drunk drivers with a BAC at or above the legal limit of .08. Adult men are most likely to drive impaired, and evenings are deadliest. At night, the number of alcohol-related fatal crashes is three times higher than during the daytime.
NHTSA campaigns also stress to American drivers that marijuana and other drugs impact the ability to drive safely as well and may result in driving under the influence charges.
The organization’s efforts to get the word out are supported by a national media campaign running through Sept. 1, featuring radio, television and social media ads. Law enforcement officers will be intensifying their patrols in hopes of keeping impaired drivers off the roads.
Plan Ahead for Labor Day Safety
NHTSA urges drivers to make a plan for the holiday weekend and never to drive after consuming alcohol or any other impairing substance. Designate a sober driver or call a taxi to ensure that you make it home safely from Labor Day events. If you suspect another motorist of driving under the influence, you are urged to call 911 immediately.
And if you’re struggling with drug or alcohol dependency, make this holiday a liberation day.
Rehabs.org helps you find affordable treatment centers nationwide, including those that accept Medicaid and Medicare.
There’s no better time than now. Call
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Shaq Reflects on Prescription Opioid Addiction
In a recent podcast interview, basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal (Shaq), 53, reflected on his use of painkillers and whether he was addicted to them.
The interview follows a candid 2022 GQ Magazine article in which O’Neal describes his use of prescription opioids to manage pain associated with injuries sustained during the course of his long basketball career.
The Dilemma of Being Good vs Being Great
Shaq’s most recent disclosures about his use of prescription opioids were made on an August 11 edition of “Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard.” In the podcast he recalled having a “heated discussion” with his doctors about his use of painkillers. “Is ‘addiction’ the chemical effect or are you just taking it?”
Shaq claimed that he didn’t feel high when using the opioids, and Shepard pointed out that he could have been experiencing “the absence of pain” rather than a high.
In a candid statement, he responded, “Yes. I didn’t know that was addiction.”
O’Neal also opened up about the reasoning behind why he felt the need to take painkillers so often. He explained about his need to play “great” rather than simply “good” which could stem from the high pressures of being an NBA player.
He went on to dive deeper into his mental health, claiming, “I don’t think I was suffering mentally. I think if I had a knack, I would take it because I don’t want to feel that knack because we need this game.”
Addiction or Dependence?
O’Neal also described hearing other people’s experiences of addiction and how that brings up more questions for his own experience with painkillers. He said, “I wasn’t that, but I had to have them—so is that addiction?”
It was during a doctor’s appointment that O’Neal’s use of painkillers came up with concerns about his kidneys. O’Neal stated, “I was dependent upon painkillers—not addicted.” He spoke about taking one or two a day when he couldn’t move and claimed that, “I’m off that now.”
Addiction doesn’t always announce itself loudly. Sometimes, it emerges in a slow, subtle but ever-worsening dependence.
If you think you may be developing an addiction, it’s not too late to turn things around. Rehabs.org makes it easy to find low-cost affordable treatment centers.
In some cases, you may even be able to get free rehab.
If you have any questions or need immediate support, call
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Baltimore County Libraries Expand Naloxone Access
Baltimore County is taking a new step in the fight against opioid overdoses by making naloxone available at every public library branch. The initiative comes through a partnership between Baltimore County’s Department of Health and the Baltimore County Public Library system.
Naloxone is sometimes known by the brand name Narcan. This is a medication that can reverse the deadly effects of opioids like heroin and fentanyl. It has already played a major role in reducing overdose deaths across the county.
Meeting People Where They Are
Baltimore County’s goal is simple. They want to make medication like naloxone easy to access across the 19 trusted community spaces. “Ensuring that every resident can access lifesaving medication is a priority for Baltimore County,” County Executive Kathy Klausmeier said.
Library CEO Sonia Alcántara-Anoine added that libraries are more than just places to borrow books. They’re community hubs that can provide critical tools in a public health crisis.
Naloxone receptacles are now in place at every library branch. Some locations use wall-mounted cabinets while others are using vending machine-style dispensers. In addition, library staff completed training in July on how to spot the signs of an overdose, administer naloxone and contact emergency services.
Supported by Health and Safety Leaders
Health officials say the program builds on ongoing prevention efforts that have already reduced overdose deaths in the county. Police Chief Robert McCullough praised the move by saying that wider access to naloxone will “increase our ability to save lives.”
The project was funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, the Maryland Office of Overdose Response and the CDC’s Overdose Data to Action program. Other naloxone access points are already available at county health clinics, social services offices and the Baltimore County Department of Corrections.
Whether you’re looking for free rehab or help with opioid use, Rehabs.org lists affordable treatment centers that can help you reach your recovery goals
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Dayton Fentanyl Bust Seizes 84 Pounds, FBI Reports
The FBI Cincinnati Field Office just reported a massive Dayton, OH fentanyl bust. The operation resulted in the seizure of about 84 pounds of the deadly synthetic opioid, fentanyl.
Taking Down an Ohio Drug Trafficking Ring
According to a recent posting on the FBI Cincinnati Facebook page, “FBI Cincinnati and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Range Task Force seized 38 kilograms of fentanyl, other drugs, guns, and cash from a major drug trafficking organization. We continue to target violent criminals and those pushing dangerous drugs into our communities.”
Among US states, fentanyl has disproportionately affected Ohio. It’s been a problem across the Rust Belt for decades.
An Epidemic Of Overdose Deaths
Out of all 50 states, Ohio reported the 9th highest drug overdose death rate in 2022. According to the CDC, the number was 45.9 deaths per 100,000 people. The national average rate of 32.6 deaths per 100,000 meant that Ohio’s death rate was notably higher.
The CDC counts overdose deaths from all types of drugs but the DEA estimates that about 70% of all drug overdose deaths are due to opioids. Most authorities consider fentanyl as the single deadliest opioid.
However this Dayton fentanyl bust isn’t uncommon. Fentanyl is frequently found by federal law enforcement in drug busts nationwide. Illicit street drugs are also laced with fentanyl. This means that many fentanyl exposures are unintended and that can significantly increase the risk of a life-threatening overdose.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, drug overdose fatalities hit a record high in Ohio. A potentially positive indicator in 2022 was that the number of recorded overdose fatalities fell slightly.
And raids like the one in Dayton are designed to continue this promising decrease in lives lost to the drug epidemic. You don’t have to be another statistic in the drug crisis.
If you’re struggling with addiction, use Rehabs.org online directory of affordable treatment centers to find help near you or find out how much drug rehab costs.
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