Overdose Deaths Drop in Summit County as Officials Push Recovery Month Resolution

Fewer Summit County residents died from an overdose last year, and county leaders are using that shift as a reason to expand awareness efforts. Executive Ilene Shapiro and County Council are marking August 31 as Overdose Awareness Day and have introduced a resolution recognizing September as Recovery Month. Shapiro framed the observance around both grief and progress. "Overdose Awareness Day is an opportunity to remember the lives lost and the families, friends, and communities who continue to feel those losses," she said. "It is also a reminder that we have the tools and resources to save lives. By making naloxone more accessible, reducing the stigma surrounding substance use, and connecting people with the support they need, we can continue making progress in our community." A Decline in Overdose Deaths County figures show real movement in the numbers. Summit County Public Health reported 110 overdose deaths in 2025, compared with 155 in 2024. Emergency departments across the county had logged 613 presumed overdoses as of July 20, 2026, with 37 confirmed overdose deaths so far this year. Fentanyl and other opiates were tied to 88% of overdose deaths statewide in 2025. Health officials point to a decade of harm reduction work as part of the reason. Since 2015, the county has partnered with the State of Ohio's Project DAWN program to distribute naloxone and provide overdose response training across the region. Naloxone Reaches Deeper Into the Community The distribution numbers reflect that reach. By the end of July 2026, the health department had handed out 6,806 naloxone kits and trained 352 people to respond to an overdose emergency. Those efforts appear to be paying off, with community members reporting 397 overdose reversals during that stretch. Details on Project DAWN are available at scph.org. Beyond direct distribution, the county has installed more than 316 NaloxBoxes and nine vending machines that provide naloxone and other harm reduction supplies. Weekly clinics also offer syringe exchange, wound care and fentanyl test strips alongside Narcan. A full list of clinic times and locations is posted at scph.org. Recovery Month Brings a Wider Message September's observance shifts the focus from crisis response to long term healing. County Council's resolution encourages residents to take part in Recovery Month, a national campaign sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration that raises awareness of mental health and substance use disorders while celebrating people in recovery. "Recovery is possible, achievable, and worth celebrating," Shapiro said. "We want residents struggling with substance use or mental health challenges to know they are not alone and that resources are available to help. Each of us can play a role in creating a community where asking for help is met with compassion and where recovery is supported without stigma." Officials also noted that the Executive's Office itself is a certified Recovery Friendly Workplace through a Summit County Public Health program aimed at reducing stigma and building supportive workplaces for people affected by addiction. Employers can learn more at scph.org/rfw. Getting Help Anyone seeking substance use resources can reach the ADM Addiction Helpline at 330 940 1133. Residents in a mental health crisis should call or text 988.