Ross County community partners recently conducted a two-day outreach event to combat substance use disorder and related crimes while providing recovery resources and support to residents.
According to an announcement, Operation Bridge 2025 took place April 23-24 and involved multiple organizations, including the Chillicothe Police and Fire Departments, Ross County Community Action, Ross County Health District (RCHD), Ross County Sheriff’s Office, Recovery Ohio and the Ohio Department of Public Safety.
The event focused on education, enforcement and treatment. The outreach fair, coordinated by RCHD Epidemiologist and Health Promotion Programs Lead Liberty Merriman, was held at the Armory Gym in Yoctangee Park, offering mental health and treatment services.
(From left): Cmdr. Jason Gannon; Dennis Lowe; Chief Ron Meyers; Maj. Michael E. Preston; Joanna Denny; Kloey Stevens; Janelle McManis;and Liberty Merriman (RCHD) represent the various agencies involved in the Operation Bridge 2025 event held April 23-24.
Narcotic and K-9 units made proactive enforcement contacts, while social workers and peer supporters conducted home visits and were on call for officers during the event.
In total, 417 successful contacts were made, with 65 naloxone kits and 131 fentanyl test strips distributed. Six individuals were connected to treatment, and another six were referred to treatment.
Ross County Health Commissioner Janelle McManis highlighted the success of the event as a continuation of the county’s recovery community partnerships.
“I’m proud to announce that Ross County saw a decrease in overdose deaths in 2024, with 36 lives lost,” McManis said. “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.”
Ross County efforts are seeing results
In September 2024, there was a two-week period with no reported overdoses, partly due to community outreach efforts.
Naloxone distribution is a key component of prevention work in Ross County. In 2024, there was a 52.5% increase in naloxone kits distributed, totaling 2,752 kits through various channels.
Peer support programs also play a crucial role in supporting individuals struggling with substance use disorder. In 2024, there were 3,092 interactions with peer supporters, with 137 individuals referred to…
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