This is a community indicator measure. It is provided to show an understanding of the overall community health. The County organization does not directly control the outcome of this measure; however, a number of programs and initiatives the County is undertaking can have an impact.

In the face of this crisis, the County remains committed to fighting this epidemic. In 2017, the County filed a lawsuit against several drug manufacturers and distributors for downplaying the risks involved with using prescription opioids. Settlements to date have yielded nearly $300 million to further fund the community response.

Funding continues to be provided to support and expand rehabilitation programs, Drug Court, provide the ADAMHS Board with fentanyl test strips and increase treatment and sober beds. Project DAWN (Deaths Avoided with Naloxone), an overdose education and naloxone distribution program at MetroHealth, has had over 2,500 documented overdose reversals. Cuyahoga County currently has over 40 Rx Drug Drop Boxes located at law enforcement agencies. Rx Drug Drop Boxes provide an environmentally-friendly disposal process, and reduces risks involved with leaving prescription medications in a household. The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office continues to participate in local task forces to develop strategies to combat the crisis and has led the way in providing the public with vital data regarding the crisis. 

Finally, the County continues to spread the word about the dangers of opioid prescriptions tied directly the crisis through the #KnowTheRx campaign launched in 2017.