We’re Here to Help
Crisis Hotlines
In case of emergency, call 911
Crisis Text Line
Text 4HOPE to 741741
Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio
888-682-9454 en Español
suicidepreventionlifeline.org en Español
Drug & Alcohol Treatment
Williams County Resource Guide
The Williams County Resource Guide is developed each year to provide community members with a comprehensive listing of agencies and organizations serving Williams County. It is published in partnership with United Way of Williams County, Montpelier Rotary Club and Williams County Schools Care Coordination Program.
Medication Disposal and Drop Off Locations
A safe way to dispose of prescription medication and other forms of medication not being used and to prevent non-approved people to be taking the medication. It also helps keep the environment clean and safe by preventing harmful chemicals from affecting the environment and other people.
Williams County Sheriff’s Office
Montpelier Police Department
To dispose of pills, liquid medications, Deterra pouches or patches at home, contact the Williams County Health Department to pick up free disposal bags. For more information, click here.
Project DAWN (Deaths Avoided With Naloxone)
Project DAWN is a network that offers overdose education and information on naloxone distribution programs (OENDP). Established in 2012 in Portsmith, Ohio, Project DAWN is named memory of Leslie Dawn Cooper who struggled with substance abuse for years before dying from a witnessed opioid overdose in 2009. Today, Project DAWN has expanded to include more than 280 naloxone distribution sites that encompass approximately 72 of Ohio’s 88 counties.
For more information on Project DAWN, visit the Ohio Department of Health website.
Anyone in Ohio can obtain free naloxone and overdose response education through Project DAWN locations. To find a site near you, use the List of Project DAWN Locations by County. If there is no location near you, consider using one of the listed statewide mail-order programs.
Hidden in Plain Sight
Hidden in Plain Sight is in partnership with the United Way of Williams County. Thanks to their generosity, Hidden in Plain Sight is an interactive learning experience for adults in Williams County who want to understand signs of substance misuse in youth and learn how to start talking to youth about substance misuse. We offer this at community events, parent teacher conferences, and staff trainings.
This interactive learning experience is available on loan from the Williams County Health Department and can be used by community groups for substance use prevention and awareness efforts. To see an example of this program, visit PowerToTheParent.org.
Escape the Vape
The kit can be presented in classrooms and at community events for anyone in middle school on up. ECHO has partnered with Student Resource Officers within Williams County to offer this to students.
Warning signs of substance abuse in youth
Look for:
- Mood changes: flare-ups of temper, being defensive, becoming short.
- School problems: check attendance, grades, and any discipline.
- Rebellion against family rules.
- Friend changes: switching friends or afterschool activities.
For more information on understanding the warning signs, visit SAMHSA.gov.
Talk to teens:
- Choose a good time and location.
- Build rapport with your teen. Stayed involved in their activities, school events, interests, and ask about their friendships.
- Provide empathy and support.
- Keep an open mind and provide reassuring feedback.
For more tips on how to communicate with teens, visit DrugFree.org.
Risk & Protective Factors
Root causes, also known as risk and protective factors or intervening variables, are those conditions in the community, family, peer group, and school that make it more or less likely a person will misuse substances.
- Availability of Drugs: Social – points of purchase such as convenient stores, smoke shops, liquor stores, restaurants, online.
Retail – sources like parents, friends, parties, from their home - Community Norms: Norms reflect general attitudes about substance use and can have a powerful impact on people’s attitudes and behavior.
- Laws & Enforcement:Laws/policies/regulations either do not exist or are too lax, enabling youth to get/use substances or creating the conditions that put them at greater risk.
- Price & Promotion: Youth are impacted by advertising by influencing youth’s expectations of how the substance will affect them and their perception of how many people use it
- Adult Attitudes: Attitudes of parents/caregivers in which they tolerate or even encourage youth to use substances.
- Youth Attitudes: Acceptance of drug use behavior. Perception of risk (do they think drugs are harmful?). Do they think “everyone” does it?
*Current risk factors identified: Favorable Attitudes & Community Norms
Local Data:
Public Service Announcements
SAMHSA is a collection of videos that show the dangers of substance abuse.
Drug-Free is a partnership for drug-free families that want to keep their kids educated about and aware of harmful drugs.
Need help, but not sure where to start?