The Centers Deploys Life-Saving ONEbox® Overdose Response Stations Across Northern Ohio Locations

CLEVELAND, Ohio - November 3, 2026: The Centers, one of Northern Ohio's largest nonprofit providers of health, family, and behavioral health services, today announced the deployment of 70 ONEbox® emergency overdose response stations across  its locations throughout the region. The initiative, developed in partnership with R3 (Rapid Risk Reduction), places a video-guided naloxone kit within reach of staff, clients, and visitors, turning every Centers location into a community of first responders capable of acting in the minutes that matter most during a suspected opioid overdose. 

Ohio continues to rank among the states most impacted by overdose, placing 16th highest in drug overdose death rate nationally in 2025.  Persistent high rates at the state level are reflected locally, with ongoing overdose deaths and emergency visits in Cuyahoga County and Cleveland, demonstrating continued need for rapid, life-saving interventions like naloxone. 

What the ONEbox® Does

Often described as "the AED for opioid overdose," the ONEbox® is a wall-mounted, tamper-evident response station designed for any environment, including settings where staff may have no medical training. When opened, the unit automatically plays a step-by-step instructional video that walks the user through:  + Recognizing the signs of an opioid overdose  + Calling 911 and beginning rescue breathing  + Administering nasal naloxone (commonly known by brand name Narcan®) safely and correctly  + Staying with the person until first responders arrive 

The Centers stocks each ONEbox® with multiple doses of naloxone, a rescue breathing mask, gloves, and other supplies needed for an effective response, helping remove uncertainty during an emergency and giving any bystander the confidence to act. 

"Overdose response works best when it lives inside the places people already trust, and for nearly 150 years that is exactly what The Centers has been across Northeast Ohio. This deployment puts ONEbox® where families already come for care and recovery, allowing a neighbor, a staff member, or a visitor to act in the moments that matter most. That is how a community moves from depending on first responders to becoming a community of first responders, and R3 exists to stand beside and empower that kind of partner. We couldn't be more grateful for The Centers' leadership and vision, and we are excited to support them as they implement our overdose response systems," said Christian Cox, Prevention Partner, R3 (Rapid Risk Reduction) 

A Continuum of Care That Doesn't Stop at the Front Door

The ONEbox® deployment is part of The Centers' broader strategy to decrease deaths, save lives, and remove barriers between community members and the care they need. The organization provides a continuum of substance use disorder services, including immediate access to Medication for Addiction Treatment, counseling, peer support services, and overdose and infectious disease prevention, and counseling. Adding ONEboxes to The Centers’ physical locations ensures that the moment of greatest danger, a suspected overdose on-site, is met with an immediate, evidence-based response. 

The Centers remains steadfast in its mission to reduce drug-related fatalities through proactive education, community engagement, and compassionate support. By introducing the ONEBox® kit, we are empowering our entire team—including those outside our specialized addiction programs—with the tools necessary to provide life-saving intervention. This initiative reinforces our commitment to an integrated care model, ensuring a seamless continuum of support for both our team and our clients said James Frankino, Vice President of Nursing, The Centers 

In September 2026, The Centers opened the Glick Recovery Campus, Cuyahoga County’s first crisis receiving center, expanding access to immediate behavioral health crisis care. The ONEbox® deployment builds on that same commitment to meeting people in moments of crisis with the tools, care and support that can save lives.

"Naloxone is simple, safe, and effective. We know people with minimal training can use it to save a life. Tools like ONEbox® build on that by increasing confidence and guiding action in those critical moments, while also reinforcing the importance of rescue breathing so more bystanders feel prepared to respond quickly and effectively when every second counts," said Dr. Dinah Applewhite, Medical Director of Addiction Services.  

About The Centers By healing, teaching, and inspiring individuals and families to reach their full potential, The Centers offers an integrated model that coordinates health and wellness services, including primary care, behavioral health care, addiction services, HIV treatment, in-house pharmacies, and dental care. The Centers also provides family support programs, including early childhood development, career training, and job placement. This continuum of care includes Youth Residential services at The Centers’ H.O.P.E. Campus®, which offers safe, trauma-responsive support for youth. The Centers is one of the oldest and largest nonprofit organizations in Northeast Ohio, serving more than 20,000 people annually in our community. Visit TheCentersOhio.org to learn more.

About R3 (Rapid Risk Reduction) R3 (Rapid Risk Reduction) builds connective and responsive risk reduction systems that transform communities dependent on first responders into communities of first responders. Its flagship products - including the ONEbox® for opioid overdose response and the HEATbox® for heat-related emergencies - are deployed across schools, universities, healthcare networks, government agencies, and workplaces nationwide. Learn more at oneboxready.com

Media Contacts

For more information about The Centers: Liz Scott, VP of Marketing & Communications, The Centers | Liz.Scott@TheCentersOhio.org (330)-283-4944

For ONEbox® purchasing inquiries: Christian Cox, Safety Specialist, Rapid Risk Reduction (R3) | christian@rthree.io | (304)-961-0083 | oneboxready.com

For free consultation on overdose response strategy: Taylor Golden, Chief Research and Development Officer | Rapid Risk Reduction (R3) | taylor@rthree.io | oneboxready.com