In a rewarding collaboration to combat the overdose crisis plaguing Cuyahoga County, the Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board of Cuyahoga County has joined forces with Brave Technology Co-Op to introduce the Cuyahoga County Overdose Prevention App (COPN). This innovative app, born out of a State Opioid Response grant aimed at bolstering harm reduction initiatives and curbing overdose fatalities, represents a pivotal step forward in utilizing technology to intervene during critical moments and potentially save lives.

The COPN app is meticulously designed to provide a lifeline for individuals navigating the difficult landscape of substance use, particularly those who find themselves using drugs alone. At its core, COPN empowers users to construct a personalized rescue plan and establish connections with individuals who can promptly respond or dispatch assistance should an overdose be detected. This discreet yet potent tool allows users to initiate calls or alerts discreetly before substance use, thereby bridging the gap between vulnerability and immediate intervention.

Scott Osiecki, CEO of the ADAMHS Board, underscores the significance of this technological advancement: “The ADAMHS Board does not condone illicit drug use, but we want people using substances to have a chance to get treatment and live in recovery; that is why we continue to increase harm reduction efforts. The COPN app is another tool in the toolbox to help reduce overdose.”

According to a report from the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office, a staggering 75% of fatal overdoses occur when individuals are using drugs alone, underscoring the critical need for rapid overdose detection and response. Oona Krieg, Chief Operating Officer at Brave Technology Co-Op, emphasizes the urgency of addressing this gap: “Overdose fatalities are largely preventable with timely intervention, making the seconds after an overdose critical. The COPN app is designed to address this by ensuring quick, effective, and compassionate support is accessible to those in high-risk situations.”

The COPN app stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts spearheaded by the ADAMHS Board, which encompasses an array of harm reduction initiatives aimed at meeting individuals where they are without judgment. From overdose sensors and harm reduction supply vending machines to community-wide distribution of naloxone and fentanyl test strips, these concerted efforts serve as a beacon of hope in the fight against overdose fatalities.

Individuals can download the COPN app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. 

For more information on the ADAMHS Board’s harm reduction efforts and initiatives, visit www.adamhscc.org/harmreduction. Together, through innovation, compassion, and unwavering dedication, we can forge a path towards a safer and healthier community for all.