Governor DeWine’s RecoveryOhio Initiative Launches Groundbreaking Dashboard to Help Communities Predict, Prevent Overdoses

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s RecoveryOhio initiative has launched a groundbreaking new online dashboard, designed to predict when communities may be at heightened risk for a spike in drug overdoses, so local leaders can take action in time to save lives.

The first-of-its-kind tool uses a variety of data to pinpoint ZIP codes at increased risk for overdoses up to 30 days in advance.

VISIT: RecoveryOhio.gov/ODEarlyWarning

Developed in partnership with the InnovateOhio Platform (IOP), RecoveryOhio’s Overdose Early Warning Dashboard draws upon data sources like emergency medical reports, naloxone administration, socioeconomic indicators, law enforcement data, and more. These inputs fuel a sophisticated predictive model that produces a color-coded risk map of Ohio ZIP codes – which are categorized into one of five risk levels: low, minor, moderate, significant, or severe.

This innovative resource provides local leaders with a critical window for intervention. With this information at their disposal, first responders and community health leaders representing local health districts, hospitals, ADAMH boards, coroners’ offices, treatment providers, and others can work together to spread awareness in their communities. The advanced warning also provides an opportunity for resources like naloxone and fentanyl test strips to be surged into potential hot spots.

The model’s forward-looking approach marks a significant shift in the state’s means of responding to overdose threats. Historically, drug trends in local communities have shifted so rapidly that alarming patterns have only been detected after coroners report a rise in fatalities.

Updated daily, the new dashboard offers dynamic, real-time insights into the evolving landscape of drug and overdose prevalence across the state – for the first time allowing for a proactive response, rather than reactive one.

In partnership with ReLink.org, the dashboard also serves as a hub for accessing prevention-related resources. People can find information and links to community support services, family and individual counseling, naloxone distribution programs (like the Ohio Department of Health’s Project DAWN), and outpatient treatment programs in their area.

The new dashboard builds on Governor DeWine’s comprehensive efforts to combat substance use disorders across Ohio. Recently, the Governor announced that Ohio saw a 9% decrease in overdose deaths in 2023, marking the second consecutive year of progress, and well ahead of the national average.

The dashboard project was led by RecoveryOhio and IOP, with additional support from the Ohio Department of Health, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Ohio Department of Public Safety, Ohio Board of Pharmacy, Ohio Supreme Court, Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Ohio Department of Medicaid, and Ohio Department of Administrative Services. It exemplifies Ohio’s whole-of-government approach to tackling the addiction epidemic.

For FAQs and instructions on how to access the dashboard, visit: RecoveryOhio.gov/ODEarlyWarning.

About RecoveryOhio

Created as one of his first official actions upon taking office, Governor Mike DeWine’s RecoveryOhio initiative is dedicated to unifying state and local efforts to address substance use disorders and mental health challenges, as well as providing support for individuals and families affected by these challenges. Visit RecoveryOhio.gov for more information.

Economic Modeling Study Shows Billions in Benefits from Mental Health Care Investment

The Kennedy Forum issued a new study that illustrates the long-term economic benefits of good youth mental health policy.

Key Findings: A hypothetical policy of early intervention and integrated care has the potential to:

• Produce more than $52 billion in additional federal funding over the next 10 years
• Contribute to $5,658 in annual wages when depression is prevented in adolescence
• Help millions more students graduate high school and go on to college
• Increase participation in the labor force
• Lessen dependency on public insurance

Expansion of the Clubhouse Model of Psychiatric Rehabilitation for People Living with Mental Illness Funding Request for Expression of Interest (EOI)

OhioMHAS is requesting expressions of interest from non-profit organizations with current 501 (c)(3) status or government entities, for two (2) opportunities related to the establishment of additional Clubhouses in Ohio. In supporting the goal of Ohioans thriving in recovery, OhioMHAS aims to increase access to peer run organizations (PROs) in diverse communities through the establishment of new Clubhouses. This funding opportunity is supported by General Revenue Funds, and funds must be spent by June 30, 2025. For more information, please visit this webpage: https://mha.ohio.gov/supporting-providers/apply-for-funding/funding-opportunities/eoi-70-mha-fy-25-expansion-of-the-clubhouse-model-of-psychiatric-rehabilitation-for-people-living-with-mental-illness

Registration for 2025 SUD COE Trainings are Now Open!

The Ohio Substance Use Disorders Center of Excellence (SUD COE) at Case Western Reserve University's Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences invites practitioners to deepen their understanding of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. We are pleased to offer a series of training programs designed to equip professionals with the latest and most effective strategies in SUD treatment. 

The Ohio SUD COE has just added over 150 new training events and learning opportunities to its website calendar which are now open for registration.

Events are always offered as a mix of virtual and community based to ensure a range of accessible programs are available to you. Content areas range from core competencies in SUD treatment to brand new and emerging topics pertinent to the learning needs and professional development of SUD service providers and community stakeholders. Best of all, these trainings are both free to attend at CEU approved.

Be sure to explore the website training calendar and register for the sessions which are best suited to your professional growth and the ability to increase your positive impact on the outcomes of those you serve!

Register Today!