The Ohio Deflection Association, in partnership with the Criminal Justice Coordinating Center of Excellence’s Substance Use Deflection Initiative, is proud to announce the Deflection Data Collection and Definitions Guide. This guide will help diverse deflection teams across Ohio operate under the same standardized definitions. By standardizing terminology, it will ensure accurate data collection statewide and strengthen the measurement of outcomes, highlighting the impact of our innovative deflection efforts in communities across Ohio. Substance Use Deflection Initiative Director Ashley Morgan says “We are proud to partner with the Ohio Deflection Association to support this shared framework for data and definitions. Aligning terminology across diverse teams strengthens our collective ability to measure impact and ensure Ohio’s deflection efforts continue to grow in clarity, consistency, and effectiveness. Ohio Deflection Association Executive Director Tom Fallon says “This marks the first step in a meaningful partnership with the Substance Use Deflection Initiative. Together, we will formalize best practices and drive innovation in the emerging field of Deflection across Ohio, always keeping the best interests of the citizens we serve, at the forefront.”  Special thanks to our workgroup:  Jaime Urmsom, Meagan Guthrie, Sarah Coyne, Jessica Jennings, Jennifer Whitman, and Nicole Jenkins.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine yesterday signed Executive Order 2025-04D to suspend the normal rulemaking process to allow the Ohio Board of Pharmacy to adopt a rule allowing expanded access to tools to prevent drug overdoses. In addition to test strips and reagent kits for fentanyl, the rule, OAC 4729-8-02, exempts tests for the following compounds from the definition of drug paraphernalia under Ohio law:

• Xylazine;
• Medetomidine;
• Benzimidazole-opioids (commonly referred to as nitazenes); and
• Benzodiazepine and benzodiazepine-related compounds.