MetroHealth, Euclid Partner to Expand Opioid Treatment Teams

Euclid - MetroHealth and the City of Euclid are partnering to expand an innovative program to get people who have recently overdosed into treatment.

A Quick Response Team pairs a social worker from MetroHealth’s Office of Opioid Safety with an officer from the Euclid Police Department. They began making home visits in Euclid Tuesday.

“This program will save lives by going into Euclid’s neighborhoods to bring hope and help to people who desperately need it,” said MetroHealth President and CEO Akram Boutros, MD. “We know the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated an unprecedented substance abuse crisis, and we continue to work with partners to advance solutions.”

Euclid Police Chief Scott Meyer said: “The Euclid Police Department is excited to partner with MetroHealth. We are committed to doing our part to address drug abuse and overdose deaths. This partnership provides yet another avenue for our Officers to engage positively with our residents in order to potentially save lives.”

“Our police officers see firsthand the devastating impact an overdose can have and this partnership will enable us to provide residents and their families the help they need and to reduce the number of overdoses,” said Mayor Kirsten Holzheimer Gail. “This partnership is a great example of the Euclid Police Department’s commitment to serving our residents while also seeking pro-active solutions to improve our safety and quality of life. We are truly grateful for the partnership and resources being provided by MetroHealth.”

MetroHealth has similar programs operating in Parma, Cleveland, Rocky River, Westlake, Bay Village, Fairview Park and North Olmsted.

QRTs were first developed in Colerain Township near Cincinnati. QRTs involve a team of social workers or addiction counselors paired with a first responder visiting the home of the person who overdosed and offering to take them to treatment on the spot. If they decline rehabilitation, the QRT leaves behind information about available treatment and other resources.

Colerain reported a significant decrease in overdoses after implementing the QRT program, and it was replicated across Ohio.

MetroHealth QRTs met with more than 250 individuals or families last year. The program is funded through a federal grant to MetroHealth’s Office of Opioid Safety. There is no cost to the City of Euclid.