The Columbiana County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board (CCMHRSB), in collaboration with the Columbiana County Drug Task Force and various community partners, hosted Operation BRIDGE at the Way Station in East Liverpool Friday. (Submitted photos)

The Columbiana County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board (CCMHRSB), in collaboration with the Columbiana County Drug Task Force and various community partners, hosted Operation BRIDGE Days at Salem Walmart Thursday and in front of the Way Station in East Liverpool Friday.

Operation BRIDGE (Bridging Recovery & Interdiction Data Gathering Enforcement) is a statewide initiative that combines law enforcement and substance use treatment resources in a coordinated effort led by the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) and RecoveryOhio.

The event focuses on building partnerships between law enforcement and community outreach programs to provide comprehensive support to county residents. The event will feature free health screenings, substance use and mental health treatment providers ready to make referrals and initiate treatment, as well as representatives from various community service agencies offering services such as job-seeking assistance, resume help, food pantries, homelessness prevention, veterans assistance, and children’s services.

This year’s event included 4,734 points of contact made, 700 meals served, 31 agencies represented, 14 individuals connected to treatment, 110 Naloxone kits distributed, 114 Fentanyl test strips distributed, 723 hygiene kits distributed, 88 feminine hygiene products distributed, 46 adult protective services inquiries and 43 adult guardianship inquiries.

The Columbiana County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board (CCMHRSB), in collaboration with the Columbiana County Drug Task Force and various community partners, hosted Operation BRIDGE at the Salem Walmart Thursday.