Representative Burkley Joined by Regional Leaders to Discuss Drug Epidemic

State Representative Tony Burkley (R-Payne), in collaboration with the Ohio Attorney General’s office, today hosted an organizational meeting in Defiance to help address Ohio’s drug epidemic. The goal of the meeting was to gain knowledge on the status of Defiance County, located within the 82nd Ohio House district, in regards to combatting the epidemic.

“This horrible epidemic has affected many lives throughout this region and today’s meeting served as a way to bring interested parties to the table and help map out a plan for the future,” said Burkley. “We were joined by law enforcement, schools officials, municipal and county officials, and community leaders all with one goal in mind, and that’s fighting this issue together.”

Rep. Burkley was joined by State Senator Cliff Hite (R-Findlay), Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green), staff from the Ohio Attorney General’s office, and other community leaders to facilitate a discussion on the drug epidemic in Defiance County and the greater Northwest Ohio Region. The group discussed the status of the county and region, compared to the state as a whole, in regards to organizing initiatives and generating ideas to combat the epidemic.

“This meeting was another great step toward developing an action plan to address the specific needs in Defiance County.  Great work is already in place here, and we are happy to assist by providing suggestions for additional programs, services, and solutions,” said Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine.

Rep. Burkley and the other leaders plan to hold future meetings involving the public at a later date.