CLEVELAND – Cathy Lawley of Willoughby Hills said her life was forever changed after losing her son, 31-year-old Michael Biellow, to drugs on March 23, 2020.
Lawley warned all parents, after Cuyahoga County reported an increase in drug deaths, urging them to sit down and talk to their children or loved ones about the dangers of seeking a quick high.
“We are now in a paradigm shift, this is no longer a heroin overdose, and I want to emphasize that,” Lawley said.
“He was unknowingly given fentanyl and carfentanil, fentanyl is a tranquilizer for elephants.”
“Your kids may go out because they have an addiction problem, but they could also just be at a party with other people and talk about how to get high one day.”
“These aren’t overdoses, these are kids who think they’re going to get high on something, and they’re not getting high on anything, they’re dying.”
Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner Dr. Thomas Gilson issued a public health warning on April 6, stating that Cuyahoga County suffered at least 69 suspected overdose deaths in the month of March.
Gilson told News 5 that if deaths continue at this rate, Cuyahoga County could again see more than 700 overdose deaths. The last time there were more than 700 deaths in Cuyahoga County was in 2017. In addition, there were 13 overdose deaths in the first five days of April.
A significant proportion of deaths are attributed to fentanyl and carfentanil
Local agencies such as the Cuyahoga County ADAMHS Board and the MetroHealth System Office of Opioid Safety said the alarming spike in drug-related deaths is prompting them to urge families to seek help.
Beth Zietlow-DeJesus, ADAMHS Board Director of External Affairs told News 5 families should watch for the signs of drug use and addiction.
“These are not statistics, these are people, these are brothers, sisters, parents, children,” said Zietlow-DeJesus. ‘If there is a cluster, as we see now, it just tears us apart.’
“The person with substance use disorder has a chronic brain disease. They need medical treatment, counseling, and care to get better.”
“Look for secretive behavior, be very defensive, irritable and angry.”
Kelly Cioletti, social work coordinator at the MetroHealth System Office of Opioid Safety, said News 5 outreach is available, along with the Enrollment Outreach Unit, located on West 25th Street in Cleveland, across from the MetroHealth Polyclinic Pavilion. Cioletti said free Narcan kits and Fentanyl test strips are available Monday through Friday through the Project DAWN program.
“We are literally available 24/7,” said Cioletti. “You don’t need ID, you don’t need to use it, you can be a family member or a friend.”
“Everyone used to think this was an inner city drug, and it just isn’t anymore.”
“It’s alarming, it’s scary, you sympathize with the families involved, and unfortunately they have to bury a loved one.”
Meanwhile, Lawley helped form “APALD,” which stands for Association of People Against Lethal Drugs. Lawley said the organization will hold a rally for change in 30 cities across the county on June 4 to spread awareness and advocate for law change in the war on synthetic drugs, which the CDC reported will kill 81,000 people by 2020. came to life.
Lawley said she did everything she can in honor of her son, as a way to help families save their loved ones.
“I’d tell him I love you more than you’ll ever know, and I hold you in my heart every day, and I am your voice,” Lawley said.
“I know he would like me to go ahead and keep trying, and just don’t shut up until my voice is heard.”