CHILLICOTHE, Ohio – Over the course of two impactful days, the Ross County community came together at Yoctangee Park’s Armory Gym to tackle one of the most pressing issues facing the area: substance use disorder (SUD). Hosted on April 24 and 25, the Let’s Talk About Recovery Community Outreach Fair united multiple local and state organizations to connect residents to vital recovery resources, treatment providers, and support services.
The event, led by Liberty Merriman, an epidemiologist and program lead with the Ross County Health District (RCHD), offered a comprehensive array of services, including health and wellness education, naloxone distribution, recovery support, and even assistance with expungement and obtaining driver’s licenses. These efforts sought to remove barriers often faced by individuals trying to rebuild their lives after addiction.
“A Chain Toward Success”
Kristen Slaper, Director of Law Enforcement Initiatives at the Ohio Department of Public Safety, emphasized the far-reaching impact of SUD, saying, “There is hardly anyone who doesn’t know someone affected by substance use disorder. Our goal is to help people get into treatment so that they are ultimately reunited with their families.”
Slaper also highlighted the event’s focus on addressing underlying barriers to recovery: “Providing resources to obtain a driver’s license and have records expunged are examples of links in that chain that were available as part of this outreach event. Every one of these community partners provides a valuable resource,” she said, underscoring the importance of collaboration between local and state agencies.
Measurable Impact in Two Days
The outreach event achieved significant results in just 48 hours:
307 successful outreach contacts
199 naloxone kits and 579 fentanyl test strips distributed
5 individuals directly connected to treatment
25 individuals were referred to treatment for future engagement
These connections are vital for addressing the ongoing opioid epidemic in the region. Many of the vendors and organizations participating provided direct support, including the Chillicothe Police Department, Ross County Sheriff’s Office, and First Capital Cornerstone of Change.
“Daily Collaboration Making a Difference”
RCHD Health Commissioner Janelle McManis praised the partnerships driving these initiatives: “The past two days have provided a glimpse into the daily collaboration between organizations within Ross County. Because of our strong partnerships, we’re making a difference in Ross County, seeing improvements, and changing lives one day at a time.”
McManis highlighted several RCHD programs, such as Catch My Breath, which educates students about vaping, and Project DAWN, a naloxone distribution initiative. Through these efforts, naloxone is made widely available via harm-reduction vending machines, naloxone boxes, and a mail-order program.
The Ross County Post Overdose Response Team (PORT) was another critical resource discussed. In 2023 alone, PORT made 121 successful contacts, contributing to a 32% decrease in non-fatal overdoses compared to 2022.
Residents and Recovery: A Shared Effort
The event also shone a light on the human side of recovery, offering tangible steps to build a brighter future. Attendees were introduced to organizations like Hope Partnership Project, NAMI, and local treatment centers like Brightview and Hope Valley Recovery. Resources for job assistance, family services, and mental health support were also made available.
Slaper summed up the event’s mission: “During these events, we want to help individuals fill in the missing links to build a chain toward success in obtaining jobs and being productive in society.”
Looking Ahead
The event’s success underscores the importance of collaboration and community-driven solutions in the fight against substance use disorder. With strong partnerships and ongoing efforts like those of RCHD and PORT, Ross County is making strides in saving lives and fostering recovery.
For more information on local resources, visit the Ross County Health District’s overdose prevention page: rosscountyhealth.org/overdose-prevention.