World leaders study Cincinnati region’s sharp drop in overdose deaths since 2017

World leaders study Cincinnati region’s sharp drop in overdose deaths since 2017

HAMILTON COUNTY, Ohio (WKRC) - A steep decline in overdose deaths in Hamilton County since 2017 is drawing international attention, with world leaders traveling to the Cincinnati region to learn how to reduce fatalities in their own countries.

At the height of the opioid epidemic in 2017, Hamilton County recorded 570 overdose deaths. Last year, that number dropped to 194, according to data from the Hamilton County Addiction Response Coalition. The decrease has prompted delegates from more than seven countries to spend time with experts from the Hamilton County Addiction Response Coalition to learn what it does differently from other groups.

Leaders from places including Bulgaria, Romania, Poland, Germany, Kosovo, and Scotland traveled thousands of miles to find out what the region has done to drive down overdose deaths.

It was 11 years ago when some who work in law enforcement around Cincinnati saw a growing problem they didn't know how to fix.

For Chief Tom Synan of the Newtown Police Department, it was after he saw a mother and three of her sons die from overdoses one-by-one.

"This family dies. I feel helpless as a first responder, as a police officer. I didn't have resources necessarily to connect with," said Synan. "It was a family tragedy, a community tragedy, one that was being repeated over and over again."

At the time, Synan said there was a heroin epidemic. Hamilton County was averaging 20-25 overdoses a week, with 1-2 people dying on average per week.

Members of the county's Police Chief Association went to county leaders, and what's now known as the Hamilton County Addiction Response Coalition was formed with about 12 members.

Then, the opioid epidemic came.

"When Carfentanil hit the streets of Cincinnati in 2016, [there were] 174 overdoses in one week, and three people died. It put Cincinnati really as one of the epicenters, not only in the country but also in the world. People had not seen carfentanil. They had not seen people overdose like we were seeing," said Synan. "More people were dying of overdoses than car crashes and homicide shootings combined."

Since the beginning of the coalition, it's grown to more than 1,100 members and 400 agencies. Law enforcement, doctors, elected officials, quick response teams, judges, and those who provide treatment in jails all collaborate, and it has culminated in a decrease in overdose deaths continually since 2021.

That decline is what brought the delegates to the region. Those who visited included teachers, lawmakers, policy advisors, and law enforcement.

"They saw a collaboration that helped change the infrastructure in a system from not only a criminal justice system but also a system that works on public health and tries to get people connected to treatment and long-term care," said Synan. "They came up and go, 'We are shocked by the humanity, and we appreciate that humanity, and that's one of the things we want to take back."

Synan said the humanity aspect is important to combating the problem.

"When you look at the one person, and we're the ones who have stood over the bodies, and there's been a mother, father, brother, sister, son, and daughter who stands there with you, when you see that connection, you kind of lose that stigma, and you see them as the loved one does," said Synan.

Cincinnati made international headlines in 2016 when it had 174 overdoses in a week, but the coalition is now leading the way on how to save lives, and the world is noticing.

"I think what's unique about us is no matter what role you fit in as an international delegate, we have a counterpart that you could talk to and help you and connect systems and figure out how you can bring this to your country. What is best for your country, and what's not?" said Synan. "I think that's a testament to how we saw an issue, we felt helpless, we reached out, connected with other community members, and we built these groups that are now not only making an impact here but also making an effect around the world."

The delegates visited Norwood’s Factory 52 at the end of their trip as a final cultural sendoff.

Norwood Mayor Victor Schneider said, "The fact that representatives from around the world are coming to our region to learn from what is being accomplished here speaks volumes about the importance of collaboration. Drug addiction and overdose are not problems confined to one city, state, or country. Communities everywhere are looking for effective strategies, and the work being done in Hamilton County offers valuable lessons that can be shared internationally."

The World Affairs Council of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky helped organize the visit by working with the U.S. Department of State.