A program that helps Ohio families struggling with addiction is expanding.
The Ohio START Program was launched in 2017 to tackle the rising number of children being placed in foster care because of the opioid crisis. Program Director Fawn Gadel:
Gadel says one key aspect of the program are Family Peer Mentors, recovering users who have personal experience with addiction. Sarah Rapp, a mentor in Pickaway County, notes addiction drives people to behave poorly and make bad decisions:
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The Ohio START program is expanding to 14 aditional counties, bringing the number to 46. State leaders expect it will be operating in 62 counties in the next two years.
