Gov. John Kasich addresses growing opioid crisis

CINCINNATI (WKRC) - Oho Governor John Kasich addressed the ongoing heroin and opiod crisis at a judicial summit in downtown Cincinnati. He spoke about what he's done to combat drugs in Ohio and what still needs to be done. Gov. Kasich talked about how his administration has worked with law enforcement to shut down pill mills and to decrease doctor and ER shopping. He said the Ohio State Patrol has made numerous arrests of drug dealers. But he said, "We can't jail our way out of this problem." He did discuss trying to treat more people. He said the worst thing you can do to a non-violent offender is to put them in prison. He said his administration has streamlined how pharmacists report possible abuse. Kasich said they've learned what Nancy Reagan said was true. When young people hear anti-drug messages, he said they were 50 percent less likely to try drugs. His administration has started the "Start Talking" program in schools. Kasich said, "I believe what we need in our country is connectivity again." He said that he likes to think about the two greatest commandments, love God and love your neighbor as yourself. He said growing secularity in this country has taken away from worrying about what happens to your neighbor. He ended by advising the audience to remember, "the Lord's watching." More than 75 people have overdosed in Cincinnati since Monday.