By Taiwo Akinlami and Deba Uwadiae

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 addressed the alarming overdose crisis in Ohio, presenting a report from the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) that brings both a somber reminder and a glimmer of hope. The 2023 Ohio Unintentional Drug Overdose Report revealed a 9% decrease in overdose fatalities, marking the second consecutive year of improvement for a state once ranked as the epicenter of the national opioid crisis.

Flanked by top state officials, including Ohio’s Director of Mental Health and Addiction Services, LeeAnne Cornyn, and the Director of Public Safety, Andy Wilson, Governor DeWine offered insight into how Ohio is tackling this issue from multiple fronts. His message was clear: the battle is far from over, but Ohio’s strategy is yielding tangible results.

Remembering the Lives Lost

Before delving into the report’s findings, Governor DeWine took a moment to honor those who lost their lives to overdose over the past year. “Every life lost is a tragedy,” he stated, his voice resonating with empathy. “Each person was someone’s child, sibling, or friend. We owe it to them and to every Ohio family still grappling with addiction to keep pushing forward.”

DeWine has made the fight against addiction a core priority since his administration began in 2019, spearheading the RecoveryOhio initiative. This program brings together state and local agencies to address the many dimensions of substance use disorder, from treatment access to community support.

Encouraging Data and New Milestones

The latest statistics show significant headway, even as challenges remain. The 9% decline in overdose deaths in 2023 surpasses last year’s 5% reduction and places Ohio ahead of the national trend, which saw only a 1% decline. This progress, the briefing emphasized, is largely attributed to state-wide partnerships, expanded access to critical resources, and comprehensive strategies that extend beyond conventional enforcement.

“We have achieved this because we have united as one,” the briefing noted, citing collaboration among agencies and local communities as key to Ohio’s success. Three foundational pillars drive Ohio’s approach: prevention, intervention, and treatment, each reinforced by statewide programs.

Key Programs Fueling Change

Ohio’s opioid crisis is deeply complex, and the state’s response has been multifaceted. Here are some of the central programs highlighted during the press conference:

Expanded Access to Naloxone

Ohio has led the way in distributing naloxone—a life-saving opioid overdose reversal medication—through its Project DAWN initiative. This year, naloxone distribution across Ohio surged, with more than 291,000 kits handed out, marking a 520% increase since 2019. These kits were distributed in public places, including more than 350 roadside rest areas, thanks to collaborations with the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Ohio Turnpike Commission.

The impact is evident. “Last year alone, naloxone helped reverse more than 20,000 overdoses,” the briefing noted, adding that increased access to naloxone, including through online ordering at Naloxone.Ohio.gov, has been instrumental in saving lives and providing a lifeline for those in immediate danger.

Comprehensive Treatment and Recovery Services

The state has also tripled the number of facilities offering holistic, evidence-based treatment since 2019, thanks to legislation that allocated essential funds. With services ranging from medication-assisted treatment to peer support and counseling, these centers offer a lifeline to those in recovery. Ohio now boasts more than 125 Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs), up from just 35 in 2019.

The briefing underscored the importance of peer support, noting that Ohio has certified 6,000 new peer supporters since 2019, many of whom bring their lived experiences with addiction to their roles. “People trust others who have walked in their shoes,” the briefing stated. “Peer support offers a unique understanding that’s often missing in traditional therapy.”

Strategic Interdiction and Law Enforcement Efforts

Ohio’s efforts to curb the drug crisis extend to rigorous enforcement measures. Through the Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center, launched in 2019, law enforcement has leveraged advanced technology to track and dismantle drug trafficking operations. The Center’s efforts have led to the confiscation of over 900 pounds of fentanyl, 600 pounds of cocaine, and 1,144 pounds of methamphetamine in 2023 alone.

Director Wilson emphasized that such interventions prevent deadly substances from infiltrating Ohio communities, often through complex networks that span states and countries. “The work our Highway Patrol does on Ohio’s highways—seizing drugs before they reach neighborhoods—can’t be overstated,” Wilson said.

Partnerships Driving Success: The Global Impact

The briefing pointed to one program in particular that has unified agencies at every level: RecoveryOhio. Created as Governor DeWine’s first executive action, this initiative has woven together the efforts of the Departments of Health, Mental Health and Addiction Services, and Public Safety. The briefing stressed that these partnerships allow for rapid responses and proactive measures across Ohio, bringing much-needed resources directly to the people and families affected.

“Back in 2016, Ohio ranked among the top states for overdose deaths. Today, we’re seeing a decline,” the briefing observed, attributing Ohio’s progress to a network of dedicated professionals working tirelessly to save lives and uplift communities.

New Horizons in Prevention and Youth Support

Recognizing that addiction often begins in adolescence, Ohio has made strides in preventive education. Schools across the state have adopted evidence-based programs like Sources of Strength, designed to build resilience and life skills in youth. Over 150,000 students in nearly 400 schools now have access to this curriculum.

Ohio has also implemented a 24/7 988 Crisis Hotline, offering support for mental health and substance use emergencies. In 2023, the state expanded this service to include youth under 21, linking over 19,000 young people to vital resources since the program began.

Employment as a Recovery Tool

For many Ohioans in recovery, employment has been transformative. Ohio’s Recovery-Friendly Workplace initiative, launched in August, is working with 33 businesses to foster supportive environments for employees in recovery. Citing research that links employment with higher recovery success rates, the briefing emphasized the importance of this initiative in creating stability and purpose for Ohioans rebuilding their lives post-addiction.

Challenges Ahead and a Commitment to Progress

The briefing closed by underscoring the work still to be done. While the progress in overdose prevention and recovery support is promising, the administration noted, “No family should have to suffer the loss of a loved one to addiction.” They reaffirmed the commitment to continue investing in resources, expanding access to care, and fighting the flow of dangerous substances across Ohio’s borders.

As Ohio marks another year of encouraging trends in overdose reduction, the state’s officials are hopeful that their comprehensive approach can become a model for other states battling similar challenges. “This is not just about statistics,” the briefing highlighted. “It’s about the people, families and communities that make up our great state. And as long as I’m in office, we’ll continue to fight for them.”

Governor DeWine’s initiatives reflect a dynamic and compassionate approach to a deeply rooted crisis. While the path forward will undoubtedly require sustained effort, Ohio’s progress exemplifies what can be achieved through unity, innovation, and a relentless dedication to saving lives.

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