Quick Response Team for Overdose Incidents
The Quick Response Team (QRT) was initiated by Townhall II, in conjunction with Portage County Sheriff Bruce D. Zuchowski, to help combat the Fentanyl overdose epidemic in Portage County, Ohio. The QRT is comprised of detectives from the Portage County Sheriff’s Office’s Drug and Violent Crime Unit that investigate overdoses related to the Fentanyl epidemic. Peer supporters and counselors from Townhall II work in conjunction with detectives and Project DAWN to help the community in times of crisis caused by the epidemic.
What Does the QRT Do?
The QRT will respond to all overdoses within the jurisdiction of the Portage County Sheriff’s Office and assist other jurisdictions within Portage County upon a department’s request.
In the event of a Fentanyl-related fatal overdose, representatives from the QRT will respond to the location, along with partners from Townhall II, to initiate the investigation and provide emotional support and direction to the family and friends of the victim.
In cases of non-fatal Fentanyl overdoses, representatives from the QRT will make contact with the victim within 72 hours of the incident. The victim, and the family of the victim, will be equipped with information from Townhall II concerning treatment options and support..
The QRT will investigate overdoses with all available law enforcement databases and partnerships in order to bring criminal prosecution to those who supplied the victims with the lethal narcotic.
How Can the Community Help?
In order to educate the community, the QRT is available to provide prevention presentations to groups who want to learn more about the Fentanyl epidemic. Project DAWN equips QRT with Naloxone (NARCAN) and training on how to administer the life-saving drug. NARCAN and training are provided free of charge to friends and family of individuals battling Fentanyl addiction. You can pick up NARCAN at Townhall II’s Kent office.
