Expanding Impact Across Ohio: Report on the Ohio State Opioid and Stimulant Response (SOS) 4.0 Grant
Introduction
In late 2024, our organization received funding from the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services through the Ohio State Opioid and Stimulant Response (SOS) 4.0 Grant. This support allowed us to expand our education and outreach efforts across Eastern and Northeastern Ohio, connecting with new communities and strengthening our work in prevention and awareness.
Project Goals
Our goal was to expand our presence in Ohio by delivering targeted education in seven additional counties. We aimed to reach approximately 5,000 high school students and 2,000 to 3,000 university and college students, increasing awareness around drug adulteration and harm reduction.
The project also focused on building sustainable relationships with schools and community partners to ensure continued impact beyond the grant cycle.
Activities and Implementation
Over the past year, our team built meaningful connections and delivered life-saving education to schools and communities across the seven target counties. Together with our partners, we:
- Launched district-wide outreach to identify and connect with local school.
- Built partnerships with public health departments, school administrators, community leaders, and parent groups.
- Conducted needs assessments to tailor presentations and materials.
- Coordinated and delivered multi-site educational events through close collaboration with stakeholders
Educational Events We Had
Middle Schools
- Newton Falls MS – Trumbull County
- Roberts MS – Summit County
- Nordonia MS – Cuyahoga County
High Schools
- Manchester HS – Summit County
- Newton Falls HS – Trumbull County
- Archbishop Hoban HS – Summit County
- Bishop Rosecrans HS – Muskingham HS
- Fairless HS – Stark County
- Copely Fairlawn HS – Summit County
- St. Hilary HS – Summit County
- Avon HS – Lorain County
- Richmond HS – Cuyahoga County
Colleges & Universities
- Wooster College – Wayne County
- Oberlin College – Lorain County
- Lake Erie College – Stark County
- Cleveland State University – Cuyahoga County
- Ursuline College – Cuyahoga County
- Stark State College – Stark County
- Ashland University – Ashland County
Community Events
- Stark County Pride – Stark County
- Canton Pickle Festival – Stark County
- Cleveland Zoo – Cuyahoga County
- Lake Erie Crushers – Stark County
- Lakewood Community Festival – Cuyahoga County
Outcomes and Measurable Impact
These combined efforts resulted in measurable and lasting impact across Northeast Ohio:
- 1,659 high school students and 446 middle school students received critical education on the dangers of fentanyl and strategies to stay safe.
- On college campuses, 1,185 students learned practical tools to protect themselves and their peers.
- Community engagement was equally strong, with 3,226 community members reached through local events and partnerships.
In addition, we distributed 19 BirdieBoxes, achieving a 76% participation rate and creating an extended impact reaching an estimated 912 additional individuals.
Altogether, BirdieLight hosted 31 educational events across 9 high schools, 5 middle schools, 11 colleges and universities, and 6 community organizations directly and indirectly reaching 7,529 people across Northeast Ohio. Each of these individuals is now more informed and better equipped to protect themselves and others from the dangers of fentanyl.
Challenges and Lessons Learned
Coordinating programming across multiple school systems presented unique challenges. Each district operates on its own timeline and has specific approval processes, which made scheduling and coordination more time-consuming than anticipated.
These experiences reinforced the importance of early engagement, clear communication, and long-term relationship-building with schools and community partners. They also underscored the need for flexibility and adaptability when working with diverse communities across large regions.
Sustainability and Next Steps
We are excited to share that our work will continue under the SOS 4.2 initiative. In this next phase, BirdieLight will expand its reach into Richland, Delaware, Coshocton, Licking, and Muskingum counties, bringing prevention education to even more young people and families across Ohio.
Building on the foundation established through SOS 4.0, we will continue to strengthen partnerships, refine our educational approach, and deliver high-quality, evidence-informed programming that supports substance use prevention and mental wellness statewide.
Acknowledgments
We extend our deepest gratitude to the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services for its generous support through the SOS 4.0 Grant.
We also thank the many schools, educators, administrators, and community partners whose collaboration made this work possible. Your partnership has been instrumental in helping us reach thousands with critical, life-saving education—and we look forward to continuing this important mission together.
