ROSS COUNTY, Ohio — At the Hope Partnership Project’s Annual Meeting on November 14, Brittany Burns, a member of the Ross County Health District, received the Prevention Advocate of the Year award. The ceremony took place at Ohio University Chillicothe’s Stevenson Center, with Stacey Saunders-Adams, Assistant Professor at Ohio University Department of Social Work, presenting the award. Burns, recognized for her commitment to drug overdose prevention, has actively collaborated with community partners in Ross County since January 2023, contributing to the distribution of 1,565 naloxone kits. In her role as the Drug Overdose Prevention Coordinator, she successfully managed the Integrated Naloxone (IN) grant from September 2020 to September 2021, introducing initiatives such as the curbside and mail order naloxone program. Additionally, Burns played a pivotal role in the Drug Overdose Prevention grant, overseeing various activities, including state coalition meetings, strategic planning alignment, and public awareness campaigns.
Throughout her tenure at the Ross County Health District, Burns has been instrumental in organizing community events, including the Steps of Change, Purple Light Project for Overdose Awareness Day, and the Annual Chillicothe Hope Fest. Engaging with multiple community committees and groups, she facilitates communications for the Overdose and Suicide Fatality Review Board, serves on the Communications Subcommittee for Hope Partnership Project, and contributes to RCHD’s Activities Committee. Notably, Burns has been involved in implementing harm reduction vending machines with the Hope Partnership Project, HEALing Communities Study, and the Chillicothe Ross County Public Library.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Burns extends her passion to the homeless outreach team, distributing essential items through grants, such as hygiene kits, flashlights, and emergency radios. Acknowledging the collaborative effort in addressing the drug epidemic, Burns expresses gratitude to her team at RCHD and community partners, emphasizing the collective responsibility in combating the issue. She also extends heartfelt thanks to her mentor, Melonie Oiler, for shaping her professional journey and inspiring her advocacy.
Ross County Health Commissioner Janelle McManis commended Brittany for her well-deserved recognition, noting her as an invaluable asset to both the agency and the entire community.