In the first 9 months of this year in Porter County, there were 277 ambulance transfers for drug overdose.
There were 21 deaths in Porter County in the first 9 months of 2009 due to drug overdose.
Porter County ranks as one of the highest in the nation for drug deaths per capita.
The city of Valparaiso is working to face the problem of youth substance abuse and find long-term solutions. The city is leading an initiative that unites the community’s schools, law enforcement officers, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and faith-based organizations to foster a healthier city, announced Mayor Jon Costas. “We’re committing resources, organization, and enthusiasm to creating an environment where our young people know better and do better,” he said. “It starts here. It starts now,” he said.
The city will partner with a number of leading organizations on Dec. 1 at 3:00 pm to unveil an aggressive new program, designed in conjunction with Porter-Starke Services, to address the county’s substance abuse problem – beginning with Valparaiso. The presentation will be held at Porter County Commissioners/Council Chambers, 155 Indiana Avenue in Valparaiso. The community is invited to attend.