Operation Bridge 2025 Event Provides Recovery Resources to Ross County Residents

Article Presented By Adena Health…

(Chillicothe) – Ross County community partners conducted a two-day community outreach event on April 23 and April 24 to combat substance use disorder (SUD) and related crimes while providing recovery resources and support to Ross County residents. Event partners included the Chillicothe Police Department, Chillicothe Fire Department, Ross County Community Action, Ross County Health District (RCHD), Ross County Sheriff’s Office, Recovery Ohio, and the Ohio Department of Public Safety. 

Outreach was composed of three targeted approaches of education, enforcement, and treatment. The Operation Bridge community outreach fair (coordinated by RCHD Epidemiologist/Health Promotion Programs Lead Liberty Merriman) was held in the Armory Gym in Yoctangee Park offering mental health and treatment services to educate those in need. Narcotic and K-9 units made proactive enforcement contacts while social workers and peer supporters conducted proactive home visits and were on call for officers in the field and during the two-day event period.

417 successful contacts were made over the two-day event, with 65 kits of naloxone distributed along with 131 fentanyl test strips. 6 individuals were connected to treatment, with an additional 6 being referred to treatment.

2025’s Bridge event success is a continuation of the outstanding work of Ross County’s recovery community partnerships. Ross County Health Commissioner Janelle McManis stated, “I’m proud to announce that Ross County saw a decrease in overdose deaths in 2024, with 36 lives lost. While the loss of any life is tragic, this represents a reduction in overdose fatalities from previous years, and it highlights the positive impact of the collective efforts being made by community organizations, including the Health District, to address substance use disorder.”

In September 2024, there was a two-week period with no reported overdoses, due in part to the outreach efforts in our community. “This is a significant step forward,” McManis added.

Naloxone distribution is a key component of prevention work in Ross County. 2024 saw an impressive 52.5% increase in naloxone kits distributed (2,752 kits total) through lay distributors, naloxboxes, harm reduction vending machines, and RCHD’s Project DAWN mail order program.

Peer support programs also play a crucial role in the community-based approach to support individuals struggling with substance use disorder. 3,092 interactions were made with peer supporters in 2024, with 137 individuals referred to treatment through those interactions.

“One of the most proactive ways we’re reaching young people in our community is through evidence-based school programming.” McManis articulated. She added, “RCHD’s SUD Program Coordinator Paige Baxter has maximized efforts through collaborations with Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ross County Community Action, and the Ross County Sheriff’s Office. Paige educated 909 students during the 2023-2024 school year about the risks of substance use, implementing a combination of interactive activities such as skits, poster contests, and writing exercises to teach important drug refusal skills. Additionally, students learn about vaping, medication safety, how to identify trusted adults, along with the signs of overdose, through curricula including the evidence-based Catch My Breath. These efforts are crucial in preventing future generations from becoming part of the crisis we’re working to mitigate.”

Ross County recovery partnerships’ efforts are being recognized for their hard work and dedication. In January 2025, the Ohio Deflection Association awarded Ross County’s Post Overdose Response Team (PORT) the Outstanding QRT (Quick Response Team) Outreach and Engagement Initiatives Award for a Medium-Sized Community (25,000-100,000 population).  RCHD’s PORT Coordinator, Kloey Stevens, was also awarded Hope Partnership Project’s (HPP) Prevention Advocate of the Year Award in late 2024 for her outstanding service. 

“We are proud of the progress we’ve made, but recognize that the work is far from over. Every day we continue to partner with local organizations, engage with individuals and families, and implement evidence-based strategies to reduce harm and support recovery in Ross County,” McManis stated. She concluded, “You can have a significant impact in many ways, ranging from being a trusted adult for a student, carrying naloxone, or talking to your child about the risks of vaping. Together, we will continue to make a difference and work towards a healthier, safer community for everyone.”

To order your naloxone kit through RCHD’s Project DAWN program, call (740) 779-9652 or email projectdawn@rosscountyhealth.org.