Free Addiction Response Training Being Held in Ohio

Medical Reviewer

Eric Owens

About the Editor

The Tuscarawas County Health Department is offering free addiction response training on February 27, 2026, that could help Ohio residents access free rehabs and low-cost treatment resources in their community.

The two-hour virtual class teaches participants how to recognize addiction, navigate local rehab centers, and connect people to evidence-based care at no cost.

For families and individuals who cannot afford traditional treatment, understanding how to access free community resources and government-funded programs can be the difference between getting help and continuing to struggle alone. This training provides that roadmap.

Who Can Attend This Free Training?

The online training is open to all adults in Tuscarawas County and surrounding areas at no charge. No prior experience with addiction or healthcare is required.

According to the Tuscarawas County Health Department, the class is designed for anyone who wants to learn more about addiction and treatment options, build skills to help a family member or friend, navigate community resources for substance use disorders and understand how to keep people safe from overdose

Class size is limited to 25 participants. Registration is required by completing the online form at forms.office.com/r/ce7Y9LJ6ay or calling 330-343-5555, ext. 1780. Those who register will receive a Zoom link before the February 27 training, which runs from 9-11 a.m. EST.

What You’ll Learn: Treatment Options and Free Resources

The Responding to Addiction curriculum was developed by the Addiction Policy Forum, a national nonprofit organization. The training covers critical information that can help families access affordable care:

Signs and symptoms of addiction: Learn to recognize when someone may need professional help, which is often the first step toward connecting them to free rehabs or low-cost rehabs in Ohio.

Evidence-based treatment options: The training explains proven approaches including medication-assisted treatment (MAT), counseling and behavioral therapies. It’s knowledge that helps families evaluate whether rehab centers are using effective methods.

Medications used to treat addiction: Understanding medications like buprenorphine, methadone and naltrexone can help you ask the right questions when researching Medicaid rehab coverage or free treatment programs.

Recovery support and relapse prevention: Learn about ongoing support resources, many of which are free through community organizations and peer support groups.

How to start a conversation: Gain skills to talk with someone who may need support without judgment or confrontation.

Community resource navigation: Discover how to access local treatment services, including government-funded options that provide care regardless of ability to pay.

Free Naloxone Kits Available

Participants may receive a free naloxone (Narcan) kit after completing the training. Naloxone is a life-saving medication that reverses opioid overdoses and is available at no cost through the health department’s Project DAWN (Deaths Avoided With Naloxone) program.

Even if you cannot attend the training, Tuscarawas County residents can request free naloxone kits by visiting www.tchdnow.org/projectdawn.html, calling 330-343-5555, ext. 1780, or emailing [email protected].

Does This Training Really Help?

A pilot study conducted by the Addiction Policy Forum and the University of Delaware tested the course’s effectiveness across 30 training sites in multiple states with more than 200 participants. Results showed the training:

Increased addiction literacy and understanding
Improved participants’ knowledge of substance use disorder
Boosted confidence in responding to addiction-related situations

For families struggling to afford treatment, this type of education can be invaluable. Understanding the difference between levels of care, knowing which treatments are evidence-based and learning how to navigate Medicaid coverage or state-funded programs empowers people to make informed decisions without costly trial and error.

Finding Free and Low-Cost Rehabs in Ohio

While this training focuses on Tuscarawas County, Ohio residents statewide have access to free and low-cost addiction treatment resources:

Ohio Medicaid: Covers addiction treatment services including detox, residential rehab, outpatient programs and medication-assisted treatment. Check if your state offers Medicaid coverage for rehab by calling Ohio Medicaid at 1-800-324-8680.

SAMHSA’s National Helpline: Call 1-800-662-4357 (available 24/7) for free, confidential treatment referrals and information about support services in your area. This helpline can connect you to free rehabs and sliding-scale facilities.

Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services: Offers state-funded treatment programs for uninsured or underinsured residents. Visit mha.ohio.gov or call 877-275-6364.

Community health centers: Many federally qualified health centers provide addiction treatment on a sliding fee scale based on income.

Rehabs.org lists free and low-cost rehab centers nationwide, including facilities in Ohio that accept Medicaid, offer sliding-scale fees or provide scholarships. Call 800-914-7089 (Sponsored) to find affordable care options in Tuscarawas County and throughout Ohio.