North Bend advances harm-reduction outreach and approves $500 for America 250 school event

At its March 30 meeting, North Bend councilors heard updates on community health and outreach initiatives and approved $500 to support an America 250 school presentation.

Council described a We Thrive partnership with Hamilton County Public Health to pilot placement of fentanyl test strips and Narcan at participating businesses—priority targets are establishments that serve alcohol. County staff will monitor supplies and handle refills; participating businesses will decide whether to participate after discussions with public-health coordinators. Council emphasized safety messaging rather than promotion of drug use and said the approach focuses on reducing overdose deaths.

Council also described plans to distribute File of Life medical info magnets and drug-detox "deactivation" bags at a Miami Township drug takeback event on April 25. Staff announced Healthy Harvest Global Market mobile produce distribution starting in April, which will accept SNAP benefits and participate in an Ohio nutrition-incentive program that matches $1 per $1 spent on produce.

Separately, council approved a $500 request to fund giveaways and refreshments for an America 250 educational presentation for Three Rivers eighth graders on April 8; the funds will go to the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution to support the school event.