Hamilton County Public Health

06/05/2026

Heading out on vacation this summer? Bedbugs might be trying to hitch a ride home with you in luggage, clothing and personal belongings.

They can be found in hotels, apartments, shelters, dorms, public transportation and private homes. And contrary to popular belief, bedbugs are not a sign of poor hygiene or unclean living conditions.

For additional guidance, read our most recent web story and download our fact sheet at bit.ly/HCPHBedbugs.

If you encounter bedbugs in Hamilton County, report concerns to Hamilton County Public Health.

Image description: Features illustrations of bedbugs and provides information about looking out for bedbugs when traveling. Key points include: inspect beds, furniture, and luggage, keep belongings off floors, request a new room if bedbugs are found, inspect luggage before bringing it inside, and wash clothing on high heat.

06/04/2026

With the gorgeous weather we've been enjoying, chances are you've been spending more time outdoors. But have you been checking for ticks?

It's tick season in Ohio, which means residents and visitors should be extra vigilant. These tiny pests can be difficult to spot, and some can carry Lyme disease and other illnesses. After spending time outside, check yourself, your children, your pets and your gear for ticks before heading indoors. Taking a shower soon after coming inside can also help wash away any ticks that haven't attached yet.

For more tick safety tips, visit: bit.ly/4uNAIav

Image description: Close-up of a finger with a tick on it. In the blurred background, there's a dog lying in the grass. An inset text box titled 'How to protect against tick bites' lists tips: Use EPA-registered repellent, walk in middle of trails, wear light clothing, and conduct tick checks. Hamilton County Public Health logo at the bottom right.

06/03/2026

In the time it takes you to finish your favorite sitcom episode, you could know your HIV status.

We’re offering FREE HIV tests on June 26 from noon–3:45 P.M. Get results in just 20 minutes. While you’re here, learn more about our other sexual health services, including STI testing, vaccines and more. Our compassionate staff are here to answer your questions—judgment-free.

Can’t make it on the 26th? Call us to schedule your next HIV or STI screening: 513-946-7610.
Location: 5050 Section Ave. (enter on Ross Ave.)

Image description: A healthcare professional and a seated individual are discussing something in a medical setting. The graphic promotes services offered on National HIV Testing Day, emphasizes free, accessible, stigma-free healthcare and features the Hamilton County Public Health logo.

06/02/2026

You can be honest with us.

What public health programs, services or partnerships do you love? What could we be doing better? What would you like to see more (or less) of?

Take the survey here: bit.ly/4vGcIHb

We're building out our next big strategic plan, and your input will help guide the decisions we make for our community.

Image description: Hands joined in a circle with a message encouraging Hamilton County residents to participate in the strategic plan survey.

05/29/2026

Graduation is just the beginning. Careers in healthcare, education, childcare and elder care, as well as study abroad programs and international travel, often require current immunization records.

Before your next big move, check in with your doctor to make sure you're protected and prepared for every opportunity that lies ahead.

Image description: A smiling young man receives a vaccination while sitting in a clinic. Text on the image encourages people experiencing big life changes, such as starting a new job or post-grad opportunities, to check their vaccination status. The image includes the logo for Hamilton County Public Health.

05/28/2026

Check on your people. Hamilton County saw a major spike in overdose deaths and overdose-related ER visits over the holiday weekend. We’re still investigating the potential causes, but one thing is clear: naloxone (Narcan) and fentanyl test strips save lives.

We ship overdose prevention supplies FREE by mail. Tap the link to order online (bit.ly/4dBaban) or call 513-316-7725 to get connected to resources and support.

What to know:

• Carry more than one dose of naloxone; multiple doses may be needed.
• Naloxone isn’t just for people who use opioids or inject drugs.
• Never use alone. A person overdosing cannot give naloxone to themselves.
• Co***ne, crack co***ne, he**in, methamphetamine and other drugs may contain fentanyl, even when opioids aren’t expected.
• Stimulants alone, including co***ne and crack co***ne, can also cause fatal overdoses.
• Using again after naloxone reversal can lead to another overdose.

Help us get the word out. One conversation, one test strip, or one dose of naloxone could be the difference between life and death.

Image description: A group of kids and adults hugging and smiling. Text overlay reads, “No shame, just action. Narcan and fentanyl test strips ship to you for free.” The HCPH logo is included in the bottom left corner.

05/28/2026

Need overdose prevention supplies? We ship Narcan and fentanyl test strips to you for free. Visit the link to place an order: flow.page/ordersupplies0.

The Hamilton County Addiction Response Coalition has issued an overdose alert following a surge in suspected overdose deaths over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Read the full story below ⬇️

05/27/2026

⚠️ OVERDOSE ALERT ⚠️

This alert is being issued collaboratively by local public health partners and the Hamilton County Office of Addiction Response to increase community awareness and support overdose prevention efforts.

Ongoing surveillance of overdose activity since Wednesday, May 20, has identified concerning trends in Hamilton County:

▪️ 12 suspected overdose deaths occurred between Wednesday, May 20 and Tuesday, May 26
▪️ 4 of the 12 reported deaths occurred on Saturday, May 23
▪️ 5 overdose-related emergency department visits occurred on Monday, May 25

Current trends suggest a potential change in the potency of the local drug supply. FENTANYL, POTENT FENTANYL ANALOGUES, AND OTHER SYNTHETIC OPIOIDS within the drug supply can increase the risk of an overdose. However, at this time, we are not certain of what substances contributed to these deaths.

🚨 IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION 🚨

• Naloxone saves lives. Carry more than one dose — multiple doses may be needed.
• Naloxone is not just for people who inject drugs.
• Never use alone. If an overdose occurs, the person cannot administer naloxone to themselves.
• Drugs such as co***ne, crack co***ne, he**in, and methamphetamine may contain fentanyl or other dangerous substances, even when opioids are not expected.
• Overdoses can occur from stimulants alone, including co***ne and crack co***ne.
• Fentanyl test strips only detect fentanyl. Medetomidine and xylazine test strips are also available through Hamilton County Public Health.
• Using again shortly after naloxone reversal can cause another overdose.

If you suspect someone is overdosing:
📞 Call 911 immediately and do not leave the person alone.

📍 Need naloxone, testing strips, or overdose prevention supplies?
Contact Hamilton County Public Health at 513-316-7725.

📍 Treatment is open and available.
If you need help, call 513-558-8888.

We are sharing this alert to ensure community members know that help is available, naloxone is accessible, and overdose prevention resources are available throughout our region.

We also encourage service providers and first responders to:
• Ensure necessary personal protective equipment is available and utilized
• Be prepared to administer multiple doses of naloxone, if needed

Your awareness and partnership are critical in helping protect our community.

Please share this alert with your networks.

The alert is linked here: https://cms2.revize.com/revize/hamiltoncountyoh/Documents/Government/Departments/Addiction%20Response/Documents/HCARCOverdoseAlert-May2026.pdf?t=202605270935500

05/26/2026

We’re officially open at our new home: 1701 Patricia McCollum Way.

As of May 26, HCPH services (previously located at William Howard Taft) have moved to our new office building. We look forward to continuing to serve our community in this location.

Head up to the 5th floor to access our customer service lobby. Our hours are Monday-Friday, 7:30 A.M. - 4 P.M.

Clinic appointments at our Section Ave. location remain unchanged.

Image description: A modern office building with reflective windows and Hamilton County, Ohio signage, surrounded by landscaped greenery and parking lots under a partly cloudy sky.