Drugs, Crime, Homelessness, and Mental Health

• In America, not only is crime, drugs, homelessness, and mental health issues skyrocketing but here in Central Ohio as well. I have seen first hand the effects that these COVID lockdowns have caused on all people.

• Crime has risen since the pandemic, with shootings accounting for a rise of 340%. It has been a terrible year for people in Central Ohio, especially in District 3.

• Drug use increased in Central Ohio by 14% in 2019 over 2018. People during this pandemic have relapsed because they don't know where to turn.    I have family members who live in Central Ohio who, along with many other families, need access to treatment but can't receive it due to funding and the lockdowns.  Many families have lost loved ones during this time to drugs, and it needs to end.  Let's get the money, and let's get them the treatment options that they need. 

• Suicides have risen to 12.45 per 100,000 people. Central Ohio and Ohio, in general, are seeing a rise in Suicide deaths during this pandemic. Our children are suffering during this pandemic, with 27% thinking about suicide; they are tired of being stuck at home with no social interactions. 

• Within my first week in Congress, I will introduce legislation to get funding for treatment centers to combat drug use, housing, mental health, and, most importantly, money to fight crime. In this legislation, I will also mark the end of the pandemic and stop the madness by all government levels.  COVID will always be around, and I know that I can't eradicate it by passing legislation. Still, the legislation takes the pandemic label off of COVID and sets a full recovery path. 

The Mental Health of all Americans should be held in high regard, and your elected officials shouldn't be playing games with it.