On behalf of the Medina County Drug Task Force, thank you to everyone for participating in our recent two-day Operation BRIDGE Event. Through the collaborative efforts of agencies, organizations, and community resources across Medina County, we were able to provide vital support to individuals facing difficult circumstances, including those struggling with substance use disorders, mental health challenges, and co-occurring conditions. It is through this shared commitment and partnership that we can truly make a difference. We recognize that none of this would be possible without the power of collaboration.
At our resource fair held on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, agencies present collectively met with approximately 83 individuals, of whom 26 were referred to some form of treatment and/or services, and 7 were connected directly to substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. Ten Naloxone kits and 12 Fentanyl test strips were distributed at this event. Some of the success stories of the day include Ohio BMV assisting 15 individuals with detailed reinstatement requirement letters and providing direct help with understanding those requirements and the steps needed to obtain a valid operator’s license. One individual stopped at the BMV table, thinking their operator’s license was not valid, and was elated to find out it was valid. Medina County JFS assisted 6 individuals with application assistance for Medicaid, SNAP, and PRC. They were also able to assist an individual experiencing food instability with a $50 gift card to Walmart to purchase needed food items.
In addition to our resource fair, Medina County law enforcement agencies initiated 135 traffic stops, issued 17 citations, made 2 non-drug-related felony arrests, 1 drug-related misdemeanor arrest, executed 3 search warrants, obtained and executed 22 consent searches, seized 2 firearms, and made 4 arrests based on outstanding warrants. Furthermore, we seized 3.5 grams of suspected Fentanyl, 1 gram of suspected Heroin, and 100ml of anabolic steroids. One stop also included the seizure of 23 grams of marijuana from an underage individual. This individual voluntarily attended our resource fair and was very open to discussion and learning about the programs we have available in the area. Based on their participation, no charges will be filed for this underage possession. In addition to these operations, law enforcement made contact with 13 individuals suffering from substance use disorders, 7 of whom were successfully referred to drug treatment facilities. Of these 7 individuals, 2 went directly to detox facilities to seek help.
This operation met its objectives by connecting individuals in need to treatment, removing firearms from our streets, and seizing illicit drugs. Please visit our website at www.mcdtf.org to stay informed about our harm reduction program and upcoming events.