What is Project DAWN?
Project DAWN (Deaths Avoided With Naloxone) is a network of opioid overdose education and naloxone distribution programs (OENDP) coordinated by the Ohio Department of Health. Visit the What is Naloxone page for more information on the overdose reversal medication.
Project DAWN is named in memory of Leslie Dawn Cooper, who struggled with substance use disorder for many years before dying from a witnessed opioid overdose on Oct. 3, 2009. The first Project DAWN site was established in Leslie’s hometown of Portsmouth, Ohio, in 2012. Since then, Project DAWN has expanded to a collective of more than 380 naloxone distribution sites that cover around 77 of Ohio’s 88 counties.
The Project DAWN Network
As of December 2022, there are 145 Project DAWN programs registered in Ohio. Project DAWN programs distribute naloxone and provide training at one or various Project DAWN sites, or locations, to prevent opioid overdose and promote harm reduction. Many Project DAWN programs operate multiple sites, usually with partnering agencies. Program partnerships and settings include:
- Health departments.
- Syringe service programs (SSPs).
- Community grassroots organizations.
- Emergency departments.
- Correctional facilities.
- Leave-behind programs with emergency medical services (EMS).
- Online/mail-order services.
- Street outreach.
Find a Project DAWN Location
Anyone in Ohio can obtain free naloxone and overdose response education through Project DAWN locations. To find a site near you, use the List of Project DAWN Locations by County. If there are no locations in your area, please consider using one of the listed statewide mail-order programs.
Register to Become a Project DAWN
Interested in joining the network? Visit How to Register for more information.
Ohio Overdose Prevention Network
The Ohio Overdose Prevention Network (Ohio OPN) is one of the three priority action groups of the Ohio Injury Prevention Partnership (OIPP). It was created to focus specifically on the epidemic of drug overdose deaths.
The purpose of the Ohio OPN is to identify and implement actions for the prevention of drug misuse, abuse, and overdose and to serve as a means of communication and collaboration on this topic among interested organizations, agencies and individuals throughout the state. Project DAWN programs and other interested agencies are encouraged to become a member.
2021 Overdose Awareness Day (August 31)
Project DAWN programs across Ohio hosted several events in 2021 to commemorate Ohio's inaugural Overdose Awareness Day and National Recovery Month (September). Check out the 2021 Ohio Overdose Awareness Day Photo Gallery to view photos from various events around the state.
Below is a list of Project DAWN programs who received a stipend to support Overdose Awareness Day and Recovery Month activities.
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Contact Information:
Mailing Address:
Ohio Department of Health
Bureau of Health Improvement and Wellness
Violence and Injury Prevention Section
246 N. High Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-466-2144
Ohio Relay Service (for those with a speech or hearing disability): 1-800-750-0750
E-mail: projectdawn@odh.ohio.gov
