Thanks to caring individuals and fast-acting first responders, a crisis was stopped before it became a tragedy.
A troubling video posted to social media prompted a life-saving intervention this week, as a local juvenile girl in foster care was quickly aided after allegedly ingesting a dangerous mix of medications.
The girl reportedly sent a video to another person online showing herself taking multiple prescription pills. That individual didn’t ignore the message—they reported it. And that decision may have saved her life.
🚨 First Responders Jump Into Action
Sgt. Adkins and another responding deputy were dispatched immediately to the residence. Upon arrival, they spoke with the girl’s caregiver, who had no idea the child had taken anything. She cooperated fully, leading officers through the home to the girl.
The juvenile told deputies she had ingested a combination of:
- 5 tablets of 1.5 mg Vraylar
- 8 tablets of 100 mg Trazodone
- 4 tablets of 0.5 mg Benztropine
Officers immediately called for EMS, recognizing the severity of the situation. The girl was transported by Lawrence County EMS to St. Mary’s in Ironton for emergency treatment.
🧒 A Child in Care, A System Under Strain
The caregiver explained that she was not the girl’s legal guardian—Scioto County Children Services holds custody—and she was currently caring for four other juveniles in the home, making it impossible for her to accompany the girl to the hospital.
Children Services was promptly notified by dispatch, and the incident has been officially reported to both Scioto County Children Services (SCCPS) and Lawrence County Children Services for follow-up.
💬 A Crisis We Can’t Ignore
Children in foster and group care often face unique emotional burdens—displacement, trauma, and instability that can lead to feelings of isolation, depression, and hopelessness. This young girl’s case highlights just how fragile and invisible those struggles can be.
Let’s be clear: it took courage and compassion for someone to report what they saw on social media. In a world where so much is brushed off as attention-seeking or drama, their action gave this child another chance.
🙌 Praise Where It’s Due
✅ To the person who saw something and said something: You made a difference.
✅ To the caregiver who opened her home and cooperated fully: Thank you for doing what you could.
✅ To Sgt. Adkins, the responding deputy, and EMS personnel: Your quick thinking and professional response were vital.
💡 If You See a Disturbing Post Online:
- 📲 Don’t ignore it. Reach out or report it—you might be the only one who does.
- 📞 Call 911 or your local law enforcement if someone is in immediate danger
- 📢 Alert child welfare services if it involves a minor in care
- 💬 Take every mention of suicide or self-harm seriously, even if you’re unsure
💙 A child is safe tonight because a community cared enough to act.
Let’s make that our standard—not our exception.