Transforming Families Through Deflection: Hamilton County’s Family Support Initiatives

Session Description: In 2017, Hamilton County experienced a devastating 570 overdose deaths. By 2025, the county achieved a remarkable 51% decrease, thanks largely to the strategic, deflection-focused programming spearheaded by the Hamilton County Office of Addiction Response and Heroin Task Force. This milestone reflects the power of cross-sector planning, collaboration, and innovative approaches to combating the overdose crisis. In 2023 the Hamilton County Heroin Task Force introduced an Overdose Fatality Review Liaison Task Force Officer to conduct next-of-kin interviews. These interviews inform overdose fatality reviews, providing actionable recommendations to enhance the county's continuum of care for individuals and families impacted by substance use disorder. In 2025, Hamilton County launched a groundbreaking family support pilot program funded by a STATE COSSUP Grant Award. This initiative established a dedicated unit within the Hamilton County Quick Response Teams (QRT), comprising a family support officer, navigator, and counselor. The QRT defines deflection as any intervention that defects individuals from the criminal justice system and into care, while also ensuring that families are not left behind. The program employs a two-pronged approach: supporting families of individuals actively battling addiction and offering grief support to those who have lost loved ones to overdose or substance use. This session will explore the development, implementation, and outcomes of Hamilton County's family support initiatives, highlighting best practices and lessons learned. Attendees will gain insights into how deflection programming can transform communities and foster comprehensive support systems for both individuals and their families.