Aug. 31 is Overdose Awareness Day
Overdose deaths have declined sharply in Ohio and nationwide, though officials say the crisis continues to affect communities.
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Carroll County will recognize Overdose Awareness Month with its first local proclamation. On Thursday, Aug. 21 the Carroll County commissioners adopted a proclamation recognizing Aug. 31 as Overdose Awareness Day in the county, aligning with the national observance.
“We want to thank you for the proclamation for overdose awareness day,” said Angela Pavlik, community engagement coordinator with the Carroll County General Health District, during the commissioners’ meeting. “We really appreciate the support from you all, the community, commissioners and everybody in this room in terms of efforts towards reducing overdoses in Carroll County. Free Narcan kits and education are available at the health department. We gave out 268 kits last year and there have been 276 given out so far this year.”
Overdose deaths have declined sharply in Ohio and nationwide, though officials say the crisis continues to affect communities. Provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show Ohio reported about 3,136 overdose deaths in 2024, down 35% from 2023 and the state’s lowest total since 2019. Nationally, 80,391 people died from overdoses in 2024, a 27% decrease from the previous year.
To support prevention efforts, RecoveryOhio, the Ohio Department of Health and the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services provide communities with an Overdose Awareness Toolkit, expand access to naloxone through Project DAWN and distribute mini-grants. In 2024, nearly $670,000 funded overdose prevention and awareness events across 44 Ohio counties.
Carroll County reported seven overdose deaths and 25 hospitalizations in 2024. So far in 2025, there have been 13 overdose-related hospitalizations.
“We’re honored to host this event for the Carroll County community,” said Kelly Morris, health commissioner for the Carroll County General Health District. “Overdose Awareness Day is both a time to remember those we’ve lost and a call to action. It’s about connecting people to life-saving resources and reminding individuals and families affected by addiction that they are seen, supported and never alone.”
The Carroll County General Health District will host the county’s first Overdose Awareness Day event Aug. 28 from 5-8 p.m. at the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Carrollton. The event will include a memorial tribute, resource tables, music, food and free naloxone training and distribution. Former Sandusky County Sheriff Kyle Overmyer, now an addiction recovery advocate, will deliver the keynote address. Local organizations, including Project DAWN of Carroll County, will provide education and distribute free Narcan kits.
For more information call the Carroll County General Health District at 330-627-4866 ext. 1559.
