Operation Bridge 2025 Event Provides Recovery Resources to Ross County Residents
Chillicothe, OH – 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.
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, “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.
Pictured L to R:
Commander Jason Gannon (U.S. 23 Major crimes Task Force); Dennis Lowe, Ohio Department of Public Safety Drug Taskforce Liaison; Chillicothe Police Chief Ron Meyers; Major Michael E. Preston, Law Division (Ross County Sheriff’s Office); Joanna Denny, Social Worker (Chillicothe Police); PORT Coordinator Kloey Stevens (RCHD); Ross County Health Commissioner Janelle McManis; Epidemiologist/Health Promotion Programs Lead Liberty Merriman (RCHD)
More information:
Drug Prevention Resources for Students
School-Based Drug Prevention Education
###
About the Ross County Health District
The Ross County Health District (RCHD), founded in 1979, is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board that works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Ross County. RCHD is governed by a seven-member board of health and consists of four divisions: Public Health Nursing, Environmental Health, Health Promotion, and Quality Improvement, and Administration. Learn more about the Ross County Health District at RossCountyHealth.org. For more information, please contact Sara Smith at sksmith@RossCountyHealth.org