Hamilton County Addiction Response Coalition (HC ARC) celebrated a decade of battling the addiction crisis with a day filled with reflection and honor for those affected by addiction. According to Hamilton County in a recent release, Hamilton County Commission President Denise Driehaus led the event, which both commemorated the lives saved and recognized the lives lost due to addiction.
Driehaus praised the collaborative efforts that have led to a significant reduction in overdose deaths, stating through the Hamilton County website, “The Addiction Response Coalition has been working to save lives in our community for 10 years. The decrease in overdose deaths has been a result of collaboration and dedication. That is the secret sauce of our success.” Overdose deaths have declined 31 percent from 2023 to 2024 and 52 percent from the peak in 2017 to last year. Despite this achievement, leaders in the coalition insist that the work continues as even a single death is considered too many.
Showcasing the progress made, the Coalition reflected on a multi-faceted approach that involved hospitals, faith communities, businesses, and first responders. Commissioner Stephanie Summerow Dumas credited the dedicated treatment providers, outreach workers, and community advocates for their unwavering support, while Commissioner Alicia Reece lauded the cooperation seen in Hamilton County as a model for the nation's response to the opioid crisis.
Contributions from various pillars of the HC ARC were put on display throughout the event. Tom Synan, Newtown Police Chief and founding coalition member, underscored the importance of staying on top of drug supply trends, from organic opioids to ever-changing synthetics. The Harm Reduction Pillar's efforts in Narcan distribution and other strategies were highlighted by Hamilton County Health Commissioner Greg Kesterman, signaling progress in these areas.
The day continued with a special panel discussion on the Coalition's shift from an emergency response unit to a proactive hub for long-term solutions. It wrapped up with a fireside chat featuring families affected by addiction. These discussions, as reported, were poignant reminders of the human element at the heart of HC ARC's work and their ongoing mission to curb addiction's toll on the community.
