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The Washington County Sheriff’s Office has introduced challenge coins to help connect people battling addiction with Washington Drug and Alcohol Commission and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in order to get help.
Karen Mansfield/Observer-Reporter
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10,000 challenge coins will soon be in circulation in Washington County to aid those seeking help for substance use disorder and mental health services.
Karen Mansfield/Observer-Reporter
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Sheriff’s deputy Elizabeth Davidson and UPMC Washington Director of Emergency Services John Johnson display challenge coins that support people battling addiction.
Karen Mansfield/Observer-Reporter
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Area hospitals and ambulance services are among the organizations distributing challenge coins provided by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. From left are Jack Johnson, Washington Ambulance & Chair EMT; Sheriff’s deputy Elizabeth Davidson; UPMC Washington Director of Emergency Services; and Mason Watkins, Washington Ambulance & Chair advanced EMT.
Karen Mansfield/Observer-Reporter
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Challenge coins and pins are a hot trend right now, and collecting coins and pins ranging from Broadway musicals and Disney, to youth sports teams and law enforcement agencies has become a popular hobby.
“Challenge coins are all the rage. People call our office asking if they can get one,” said Deputy Elizabeth Davidson of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
Davidson was thinking of ways to connect those battling addiction with services available when she heard about a Pennsylvania police department that gave challenge coins to people who inquired about mental health or addiction and recovery services.
And so, the idea of using a challenge coin was born.
The sheriff’s office has created a unique metal challenge coin to issue to those who are in need of addiction and recovery services.
The powdered metal coins are engraved with the sheriff’s office logo on one side and the phone numbers of Washington Drug and Alcohol Commission and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration on the other side.
It also bears the phrase, “United in recovery. You are not alone.”
“We wanted to come up with a creative way to connect people and services. In turnout bags, you usually have pamphlets and brochures, but they’re easy to throw away or get torn, and they might not catch people’s attention or interest,” said Davidson. “But these coins are hefty and beautiful. Hopefully, people hold onto them. Maybe they’re not ready today, but if they’re in the pocket, they can pull it out and call the numbers. That’s our hope and our wish for what happens with the coins.”
The sheriff’s office purchased 10,000 coins with a portion of opioid settlement funding received by Washington County since September 2024 as a part of the nationwide settlement with several drug manufacturers largely blamed for the opioid epidemic. The department is distributing the coins in two waves.
Last week, 5,000 challenge coins were put into service. They were provided to organizations who work with people battling substance use disorder, including Washington County Jail, local hospitals, ambulance services, and City Mission.
The remaining coins will be given to police and fire departments throughout Washington County.
UPMC Washington was among the hospitals that received coins.
“When someone comes to the emergency department in crisis, they may not be ready for treatment. But that doesn’t mean hope is lost. This coin offers a simple, meaningful reminder that help is here when they’re ready,” said John Johnson, director of Emergency Services at UPMC Washington. “By meeting people where they are and working together with law enforcement, healthcare, and community partners, we’re creating small but powerful opportunities for hope.”
WDAC, the Single County Authority for Washington County, provides drug and alcohol prevention, intervention, and treatment services for Washington County residents.
“WDAC does a fantastic job and is a great resource for people to reach out to, either those dealing with addiction or their loved ones,” said Davidson. “That’s half the battle. People who are struggling are looking for resources that are out there, and we want to give them hope and help them get access to those resources.”
SAHMSA’s national helpline number is a confidential, free 24/7/365 information service (in English and Spanish) for anyone facing mental health problems, substance use disorders, or both.
Davidson encouraged any groups who are interested in obtaining the coins for distribution to contact the sheriff’s office at 724-228-6840.
