Cherokee County Authorities Bolster Opiate Epidemic Info System

CANTON-SIXES, GA - From the Cherokee County Marshal's Office: The Cherokee County Marshal’s Office has partnered with HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) to combat the Heroin and Opiate epidemic which has forced its way into many of our communities. In cooperation with the Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad (CMANS) Cherokee County 911 Communication Center will begin using an Overdose Detection application provided by HIDTA. The purpose of the OD map is to provide near real-time notification of suspected overdose events occurring in Cherokee County.

This application will support public safety and public health efforts to mobilize immediate responses to overdose spikes. The Cherokee 911 Communication Center will enter the location where the overdose is being reported. The location will then be placed on a map of Cherokee County. As overdose cases continue the map will be filled with notifications. This will help public safety and public health provide additional efforts to include care, education, support and enforcement to reduce the use of heroin and other opiate drugs. Cherokee County is the first county in the State of Georgia to implement this program. Chief Ron Hunton added, “We see this as an opportunity to partner with HIDTA and the Cherokee Multi-Jurisdictional Narcotics Squad to further the fight against illegal drugs and accompanying issues. Efforts like this demonstrate the determination of all public safety agencies in the county to combat illegal drug use as well as using these efforts for those addicted.”

• Cherokee Sheriff’s Office
• Woodstock Police Department
• Canton Police Department
• Holly Springs Police Department
• Cherokee Marshal’s Office
• Georgia State Patrol
• Cherokee County School Police Department
• Ball Ground Police Department
• District Attorney’s Office

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