State to Rapidly Deploy Naloxone to Ohio Communities with Highest Overdose Rates

(COLUMBUS, OH) – The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS), in collaboration with RecoveryOhio and the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), today announced a targeted distribution of the life-saving overdose reversal drug naloxone to communities in Ohio experiencing the highest morbidity and mortality rates from unintentional opioid overdoses.

Approximately 60,000 doses of naloxone will be rapidly deployed to zip codes in 23 counties demonstrating the highest need for enhanced overdose reversal supplies among residents. The allocation is based on overdose deaths and overdose-related emergency department visit data from the Ohio Department of Health, and distribution is weighted to the population. All other counties in Ohio continue to have access to needed naloxone supplies through normal distribution methods.

“Naloxone saves lives. By getting it into the hands of communities and groups across the state in areas that are experiencing the most overdoses and deaths, we are putting this life-saving opportunity where it is needed most,” said Governor Mike DeWine.

“In an overdose situation, every second matters. Naloxone is safe and effective at quickly reversing the effects of an overdose,” said OhioMHAS Director Lori Criss. “By mobilizing additional resources quickly to areas of high need, we can help save lives and connect Ohioans to treatment and recovery support.”

OhioMHAS is allocating nearly $2.5 million in general revenue funds to 23 local Addiction and Mental Health (ADAMH) boards (listed below) to distribute naloxone in the highest risk areas within their region. Because Ohio has seen an increase in the rate of overdoses among minorities, the boards and their local partners have been asked to implement equitable distribution strategies to ensure this lifesaving drug reaches Black and Latino Ohioans.

Harm Reduction Ohio, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting naloxone and other harm reduction methods, has also been asked to partner with the state during this effort. OhioMHAS is allocating nearly $365,000 for 9,000 doses of naloxone to be distributed throughout the state via online mail order or through their community lay distribution work.

This targeted distribution plan enhances Ohio’s ongoing efforts to promote widespread access to naloxone. In recent years, state officials have worked to create greater public awareness, train individuals on the use of naloxone, and expand Project D.A.W.N. (Deaths Avoided With Naloxone) sites statewide. OhioMHAS has also invested millions to provide naloxone to first responders in all 88 counties. More recently, in response to the global Coronavirus pandemic, state officials also provided additional resources to various mail order programs to ensure access.

For more information about Ohio’s naloxone efforts, visit the ODH Project D.A.W.N. website. Local distribution partners with supply needs are encouraged to contact their ADAMH board or local Project D.A.W.N. program. For a list of Ohio pharmacies that dispense naloxone, visit https://www.pharmacy.ohio.gov/Licensing/NaloxonePharmacy.aspx. For more on what Ohio is doing to stem the tide of opioid addiction, visit recoveryohio.gov.

NOTE: Click HERE for B-roll footage of the naloxone being prepared for shipment at Ohio’s Pharmacy Services Center. Still image of naloxone nasal spray attached.

Participating Counties/Boards