By 1808Delaware
Ohio has introduced the RecoveryOhio Overdose Early Warning Dashboard, a pioneering tool designed to forecast drug overdose risks up to 30 days in advance. This initiative aims to empower local leaders, health professionals, and policymakers to proactively address potential overdose surges within their communities. By utilizing predictive analytics, this first-of-its-kind tool offers critical insights into emerging trends, providing a proactive rather than reactive approach to combating drug overdoses.
The tool is already being used by health departments, first responders, and social service organizations across the state to pinpoint areas most in need of resources and attention. With its user-friendly interface, the dashboard provides a valuable, accessible tool to improve public health outcomes.
Predictive Analytics at Work
The dashboard employs a sophisticated predictive model that analyzes various statewide indicators, including:
- Emergency medical reports
- Naloxone administration rates
- Socioeconomic factors
- Law enforcement data
Additional data inputs include eviction filings, unemployment insurance claims, impaired driving arrests, and Ohio Automated Rx Reporting System (OARRS) dispensations. By evaluating these inputs, the system generates a color-coded risk map categorizing Ohio ZIP codes into five risk levels: low, minor, moderate, significant, or severe. This allows for targeted interventions tailored to each community’s specific needs and ensures resources are allocated efficiently.
The predictive model is re-trained monthly, leveraging updated data trends to continuously refine its accuracy. Furthermore, the dashboard’s daily data refresh ensures community leaders always have access to the most current information.
Delaware County’s Current Risk Assessment
As of January 27, 2025, the dashboard indicates the following risk levels for Delaware County ZIP codes:
- Low Risk: 43003, 43061, 43065
- Minor Risk: 43356, 43017, 43082
- Significant Risk: 43066
- Severe Risk: 43015
- Insufficient Data: 43074
The “Severe” classification for ZIP code 43015, which includes the city of Delaware, underscores an urgent need for proactive measures in that area. Local authorities and health organizations are encouraged to utilize this data to implement timely interventions, such as increasing naloxone distribution and enhancing community outreach programs. Community engagement efforts, including public awareness campaigns and substance use disorder treatment services, are particularly crucial in addressing this heightened risk.
Delaware County’s results highlight the varying levels of risk across its ZIP codes, reflecting the complex interplay of socioeconomic and health factors contributing to overdose incidents. By tailoring interventions to the specific needs of each area, local leaders can more effectively reduce overdose rates and save lives.
A Collaborative Effort
The development of this dashboard was a collaborative effort led by Governor Mike DeWine’s RecoveryOhio initiative, in partnership with the InnovateOhio Platform (IOP). Additional support was provided by various state agencies, including the Ohio Department of Health and the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. This collective approach ensures that the tool is comprehensive and serves the diverse needs of Ohio communities.
The partnership extends beyond government agencies, as local health departments, law enforcement, and non-profit organizations have also contributed data and feedback to improve the tool’s effectiveness. By pooling resources and expertise, Ohio has created a model that could potentially be replicated in other states seeking innovative solutions to address the opioid crisis.
Empowering Communities with Data
By providing real-time risk assessments, the RecoveryOhio Overdose Early Warning Dashboard enables communities to transition from reactive to proactive strategies in combating drug overdoses. This data-driven approach is expected to play a crucial role in reducing overdose incidents and saving lives across the state. Community leaders can use the tool to prioritize interventions, allocate resources effectively, and design prevention programs tailored to their specific population needs.
Moreover, the dashboard’s integration with the Recovery Resource Locator offers an additional layer of support. Managed by ReLink.org, this feature helps individuals and families connect with treatment facilities, support groups, and other recovery resources in their area. The “Toxicology Insights” tab further enhances the dashboard by providing aggregated results from biological sample tests, offering a clearer understanding of the substances involved in overdose cases.
