Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services

Healing from mental health and substance use issues is not just the absence of symptoms. It is a stable home, meaningful connection, and the tools to move forward. That is the promise of whole-person care. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-support

⚠️ OVERDOSE ALERT ⚠️

This alert is being issued collaboratively by local public health partners and the Hamilton County Office of Addiction Response to increase community awareness and support overdose prevention efforts.

Ongoing surveillance of overdose activity since Wednesday, May 20, has identified concerning trends in Hamilton County:

▪️ 12 suspected overdose deaths occurred between Wednesday, May 20 and Tuesday, May 26
▪️ 4 of the 12 reported deaths occurred on Saturday, May 23
▪️ 5 overdose-related emergency department visits occurred on Monday, May 25

Current trends suggest a potential change in the potency of the local drug supply. FENTANYL, POTENT FENTANYL ANALOGUES, AND OTHER SYNTHETIC OPIOIDS within the drug supply can increase the risk of an overdose. However, at this time, we are not certain of what substances contributed to these deaths.

🚨 IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION 🚨

• Naloxone saves lives. Carry more than one dose — multiple doses may be needed.
• Naloxone is not just for people who inject drugs.
• Never use alone. If an overdose occurs, the person cannot administer naloxone to themselves.
• Drugs such as co***ne, crack co***ne, he**in, and methamphetamine may contain fentanyl or other dangerous substances, even when opioids are not expected.
• Overdoses can occur from stimulants alone, including co***ne and crack co***ne.
• Fentanyl test strips only detect fentanyl. Medetomidine and xylazine test strips are also available through Hamilton County Public Health.
• Using again shortly after naloxone reversal can cause another overdose.

If you suspect someone is overdosing:
📞 Call 911 immediately and do not leave the person alone.

📍 Need naloxone, testing strips, or overdose prevention supplies?
Contact Hamilton County Public Health at 513-316-7725.

📍 Treatment is open and available.
If you need help, call 513-558-8888.

We are sharing this alert to ensure community members know that help is available, naloxone is accessible, and overdose prevention resources are available throughout our region.

We also encourage service providers and first responders to:
• Ensure necessary personal protective equipment is available and utilized
• Be prepared to administer multiple doses of naloxone, if needed

Your awareness and partnership are critical in helping protect our community.

Please share this alert with your networks.

The alert is linked here: https://cms2.revize.com/revize/hamiltoncountyoh/Documents/Government/Departments/Addiction%20Response/Documents/HCARCOverdoseAlert-May2026.pdf?t=202605270935500

Being there for someone through a difficult moment can include helping them connect to support. 988 is available 24/7. Call or text anytime, anywhere in the U.S. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Learn more: 988lifeline.org

Supporting someone living with a serious mental illness starts with understanding. Learning about mental health conditions can help you respond with empathy and confidence. Learn more: https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/what-is-mental-health/facts

Please note that the Board meeting scheduled tomorrow, Thursday, May 21, is canceled.

When we understand mental health challenges can be at the root of addiction, we start asking 'how can we help?’ with no judgement. That question alone can make a big difference. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-support

Language matters. Choosing supportive words can help people feel seen, heard, and respected. https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/what-is-mental-health/how-to-talk

Help amplify the power of prevention by sharing your story using ! Whether it’s how you’re preventing substance use or promoting well-being, every journey is unique. Your story can inspire change. Learn how to get involved: samhsa.gov/prevention-week/my-prevention-story

Respectful communication about mental health is especially important during times of transition, including housing instability or reentry into the community. Compassionate words signal safety when people need it most. https://www.samhsa.gov/resource/ebp/permanent-supportive-housing-evidence-based-practices-ebp-kit

When a child is experiencing mental health challenges it impacts their family as well. Help is available. Visit samhsa.gov/find-help for free, confidential support 24/7. If a young person in your life is going through a tough time, remind them that there’s always help and hope.