Summit County Public Health has been working hard to educated local students on harm reduction tactics. In this video, Amy Wineland explains how the school system has been supportive of their efforts, while current and past students discuss the harm reduction education that they have received and what they have learned.

Meet Madison Gerchow, a co-founder and VP at XFoundation. A few years ago, Madison tragically lost her younger brother Xavier to accidental fentanyl poisoning. Madison and her father George went on to create XFoundation to honor Xavier. Their goal is to both educate people on the dangers of fentanyl poisoning, and to fund athletic and music programs across many local communities.

Staying busy and active while enjoying the company of your friends is a great way to stay focused, make healthy choices, and avoid substance use. Cami and Piper, who graduated from Summit High in 2024, discuss why they would recommend sports and extracurriculars as good activities to participate in for those trying to quit or keep away from substance use.

In May 2024, Ben Westhoff, an investigative journalist and the author of Fentanyl, Inc., came to Summit County to share his views on the opioid crisis. Ben stresses that instead of trying to spend money stopping drugs from coming in, we must instead spend that money to help those who need it here at home. Listen in to hear what other insights Ben shares about how we can support our community and beat the opioid epidemic.

Meet Yareli and Alex, two students at Summit High. Listen in as they discuss who they talk to about difficult topics, such as mental health and drug use; and where in Summit County you can go to find the support you may need. A good support system is essential for everyone to live a healthy, drug free life.

Introducing George Gerchow, a Summit County resident who tragically lost his son to fentanyl poisoning in March 2021. In response to this devastating loss, George, alongside his daughter, founded the X Foundation. This organization is dedicated to distinguishing between overdosing and accidental fentanyl poisoning, eliminating the stigma associated with fentanyl-related deaths, and making positive contributions to the community.

Maressa and Regan, two students at Summit High, discuss what motivates them to stay away from drugs and make healthy choices. Knowing your reasons for abstaining from drug use can help you withstand peer pressure, find healthy habits and build a strong support system.

Introducing Annie McClure, a committed former Summit County public health nurse on a life-saving mission. Witness her expertise as she demonstrates the essential steps of administering Narcan spray to aid someone experiencing an overdose.