Dearborn County helping people battling addiction

DEARBORN COUNTY, Ind. (WKRC) - Tuesday, September 13, Ohio will unveil its latest effort to fight the heroin epidemic.

What's known as the "Good Samaritan" law goes into effect. People who call 911 for help when someone overdoses will be protected against minor drug charges.

Meanwhile in Dearborn County, Indiana people were putting words into action. A family was almost torn apart by heroin. Both Wyatt and Amanda Sampson survived addiction. They have healthy children and now they were the faces of hope for those still battling it.

“I found the jail chemical addiction program that's here at the Dearborn County Jail. Went through that 90 day program and it changed my life,” said Wyatt.

“Every day, all day long, I eat, breathe, sleep recovery. But that's probably why you see this glow going on because it is so important to me. It's my passion,” said Amanda.

The Sampsons were among many who came to the Dearborn County Adult Center hoping to put their words into action. The recovery support group "1 Voice" helped put together the meeting.

Dearborn County's prosecutor and Lawrenceburg's mayor were there as the community came together seeking solutions. They were working towards a "sober living house" to help people battling addiction.

There were different ideas and brainstorming hoping to give more resources to people battling addiction and their families. Recently, the group walked with police and firefighters for an addiction awareness rally. They want to prevent the type of mass overdose problems that recently happened in Cincinnati.

Members of the group said everyone's road to recovery was different. They just want to help as many people as possible. Recently, first responders from Colerain Township went to Lawrenceburg to help them set up a quick response team. Emergency workers and people who specialize in mental health will respond to overdoses. The city's team will start October 1.

The group "1 Voice” also has a recovery walk planned. It will be in Aurora Wednesday, September 14.