UC study examining overdose hot spots
Criminal justice researchers hope hard data will help save lives
The researcher team — led by UC —will study data from emergency medical calls, overdose response teams and local coroner records to pinpoint areas or hot spots to determine where in Cincinnati overdoses occur most frequently.
“We can look at where overdoses have been occurring based on where EMS goes, or where police or the quick response team has been called,” criminal justice researcher Ben Feldmeyer told WCPO. “We can look at this over time and see where the hot spots and concentrations of overdoses are.”
According to data, Cincinnati has experienced between 270 to 500 overdose deaths each year since 2020.
The study is funded by a $350,000 National Institute of Justice grant.
Feature photo at top provided by NIH/Jeff Andersen.
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
Can teaching more people about science increase public trust?
November 4, 2026
The Center for Public Engagement with Science talks to WVXU's Cincinnati Edition about ways the University of Cincinnati is working to improve science literacy and build public trust in science.
UC student gets to design next generation of theme parks
November 3, 2026
UC mechanical engineering student Amelia Leonard used co-op to land engineering experiences with Walt Disney Imagineering and Universal Creative, gaining confidence, industry connections and hands-on experience in theme park design.
UC Blue Ash professor receives international recognition for research on popular media and culture
November 3, 2026
UC Blue Ash's Krysten Stein is the recipient of an international award and recently started a fellowship in Germany as she continues to gain attention around the globe for her research on popular media and culture.