Delaware County
19
resident overdose deaths in 2024
- 239 emergency department visits for suspected drug overdose in 2024
- 484 individual naloxone kits distributed through Project DAWN
- 429 fentanyl test strips distributed
August 31, 2026
International Overdose Awareness Day
Remember. Honor. Support. Prevent.
Every number represents a person. Every life matters. Together, Delaware and Morrow Counties can reduce stigma, connect people to care, support recovery, and prevent overdose.
Why this day matters
A day of remembrance, compassion, and action
International Overdose Awareness Day is observed each year on August 31. It is a time to remember those lost to overdose, support families and communities, reduce stigma, and share life-saving information and resources.
“International Overdose Awareness Day gives us an opportunity to remember the lives lost to overdose, support the families and communities affected, and reaffirm that recovery is possible. Through education, prevention, treatment, naloxone access, and strong community collaboration, we can help save lives and reduce stigma throughout Delaware and Morrow counties.”
Deanna Brant, Executive Director
Delaware-Morrow Mental Health & Recovery Services Board
Delaware-Morrow Mental Health & Recovery Services Board
2026 community events
Join us in Delaware and Morrow Counties
Free • All are welcome
Delaware County
Overdose Awareness Day at Ohio Wesleyan University
Monday, August 31, 2026 • 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Ohio Wesleyan University Jaywalk
Drug Free Delaware and community partners will share community resources, provide education, and remember those we have lost to overdose.
Find our table near the Secretary's Office
Morrow County
Overdose Awareness Day at the Morrow County Fair
Friday, September 4, 2026 • 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 5, 2026 • 2:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Morrow County Fair
DAAP and community partners will provide overdose-awareness information, resources, and community education.
Community in action
Education, prevention, remembrance, and connection
Outreach efforts in both Delaware and Morrow Counties bring practical tools, trusted information, and remembrance activities directly to community members.
Local data
Understanding overdose in our communities
The figures below come from the county reports provided for this campaign. Data years and definitions differ between reports, so each county snapshot is presented in its own context.
Morrow County
5
resident overdose deaths in 2024
- 48 EMS naloxone administrations recorded in 2022
- The 2024 Community Health Assessment reports a higher unintentional overdose death rate than Ohio.
Ohio statewide data
2024 Ohio Unintentional Drug Overdose Report
The Ohio Department of Health statewide report provides information on unintentional drug overdose trends and data across Ohio.
Download Ohio Drug Overdose ReportOverdose response
Naloxone saves lives
Naloxone can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose. Local health departments provide naloxone access and overdose-prevention information.
Delaware County
Visit Delaware Public Health District for current overdose-prevention and naloxone information.
Delaware County naloxone informationMorrow County
Visit Morrow County Health District for current public health services and naloxone information.
Morrow County Health DistrictCampaign partners
Working together across two counties
Delaware-Morrow Mental Health & Recovery Services Board
Planning, funding, and supporting mental health and recovery services throughout Delaware and Morrow Counties.
Visit DMMHRSB
Drug Free Delaware Coalition
Community prevention, education, awareness, and collaborative action in Delaware County.
Visit Drug Free Delaware
DAAP of Morrow County
Drug and Alcohol Awareness and Prevention of Morrow County connects local partners around prevention and education.
Visit DAAP on FacebookHelp is available
Local treatment, recovery, crisis, and support resources
Use these trusted local links to find help for yourself, a family member, or someone you care about.
Know the Signs
Know the Signs of an Overdose
Recognizing the signs of an opioid overdose can save a life. If you suspect someone is overdosing:
🚨 Call 911 immediately.
Common Signs
- Person won't wake up or respond
- Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing
- Blue or gray lips and fingernails
- Pinpoint pupils
- Choking, gurgling, or snoring sounds
- Limp body or unable to speak
What You Can Do
- Call 911.
- Administer naloxone (Narcan®) if available.
- Try to wake the person and keep them breathing.
- Stay with them until emergency responders arrive.
When in doubt, treat it as an overdose. Giving naloxone to someone who is not experiencing an opioid overdose will not harm them.
Narcan® (naloxone) is a medication that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose while waiting for emergency responders. It is safe, easy to use, and available throughout Delaware and Morrow counties.
Recovery is possible
Every person deserves support, dignity, and hope
Share this page, learn the signs of overdose, carry naloxone, support people in recovery, and help reduce stigma in our communities.