Quick answer
Lucas County recorded 159 opioid-related overdose fatalities in 2024, and fentanyl was involved in roughly 88% of them. Unison Health takes walk-ins in Toledo, the county behavioral health board funds care for uninsured residents, and TARTA's base fare is $1.50. Here is how to begin.
Last updated: Wed Oct 07 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Toledo anchors Lucas County, and the county's overdose toll is still driven by one drug: fentanyl, present in roughly 88% of fatal opioid-related overdoses in 2024, when the county recorded 159 opioid-related deaths. Walk-in behavioral health care exists at Unison Health on Starr Avenue, the county board funds treatment for people with no insurance, and a TARTA ride costs $1.50. Here is what to know.
What the county data show
Toledo is the seat of Lucas County. The Census Bureau's latest sub-county estimates put Toledo at about 265,638 residents and Lucas County at about 426,291. The Toledo Lucas County Health Department, which reviews overdose fatalities with the Lucas County Coroner's Office, counted 159 opioid-related overdose fatalities in 2024, with fentanyl responsible for roughly 88% of fatal opioid-related overdoses.
The broader Ohio picture was moving the right way: Ohio's 2024 overdose report shows 2,931 unintentional drug overdose deaths statewide in 2024, down about 34% from 4,452 in 2023. The health department also runs the regional overdose-prevention work for a 19-county northwest Ohio region, with naloxone distribution and linkage-to-care navigation - one more reason a naloxone kit is easy to get in Toledo.
Work matters to recovery planning. Lucas County's unemployment rate averaged high single digits in early 2026 before easing to 4.8% in August 2026 (preliminary) per BLS local area data.
Where treatment happens locally
Unison Health is the clearest walk-in door. The clinic offers mental health and substance use treatment for all ages, says no referral is needed, and invites people to call (419) 214-4673 or walk in; its Starr Avenue site is at 1425 Starr Avenue, Toledo, OH 43605. For a wider list of licensed providers - detox, residential, outpatient, medication-assisted treatment - the SAMHSA treatment locator lists 24 substance use treatment facilities within 30 miles of downtown Toledo (including 9 detox, 6 residential, and 23 outpatient), searchable from ZIP 43604 and filtered by level of care and payment type.
For people without insurance, the Mental Health & Recovery Services Board of Lucas County (701 Adams Street, Suite 800; 419-213-4600) funds the local safety net: its stated role is assessing community needs, funding providers, and making sure uninsured, underinsured, or indigent residents can reach mental health and addiction services. Asking a provider "are you a board-funded agency?" is a fair first question.
Getting around Toledo
Treatment works on a schedule, and rides matter. TARTA runs fixed-route buses across Toledo and its inner suburbs with a $1.50 base fare, free transfers within two hours of a paid fare, and youth fare programs; passes can be bought on the bus, through the EZfare app, or at the TARTA Transit Hub at 612 N. Huron Street. Ohio Medicaid members can also ask their plan about non-emergency medical transportation to covered appointments.
Paying for care
Ohio expanded Medicaid in 2014, and Ohio Medicaid covers substance use disorder services for eligible members - outpatient counseling, medication for opioid use disorder, and residential care when medically necessary. Most members enroll through managed care plans such as CareSource Ohio, Molina Healthcare of Ohio, Buckeye Community Health Plan, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Ohio, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, AmeriHealth Caritas Ohio, and Humana Healthy Horizons in Ohio. If you are uninsured, the SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) offers free, confidential referrals, and board-funded agencies in Lucas County serve people based on ability to pay.
Starting this week
- Emergencies: call 911. For a mental health or substance use crisis, call or text 988.
- Call or text (800) 653-9376 or complete . Calling is free - the referral service is paid for by treatment providers - and your insurance benefits can be checked before you commit to anything.
- Or walk in: Unison Health at 1425 Starr Avenue takes walk-ins (call (419) 214-4673 first to confirm hours).
- Search findtreatment.gov from your Toledo ZIP code, and ask TARTA or your Medicaid plan about rides.
Lucas County's overdose deaths fell along with the rest of Ohio in 2024, but fentanyl is still in most of the local drug supply. The clinics and buses exist - the next step is one phone call.
Treatment by substance in Toledo
Questions about rehab in Toledo
How many overdose deaths happened in Lucas County in 2024?
The Toledo Lucas County Health Department, working with the Lucas County Coroner's Office, counted 159 opioid-related overdose fatalities in Lucas County in 2024. Fentanyl was responsible for roughly 88% of fatal opioid-related overdoses in the county, and many deaths also involve stimulants such as cocaine or methamphetamine.
Where can I walk in for substance use treatment in Toledo?
Unison Health, a Toledo behavioral health clinic, offers mental health and substance use treatment for all ages and states that no referral is needed; its Starr Avenue location is at 1425 Starr Avenue, Toledo, OH 43605, and it can be reached at (419) 214-4673 to schedule or walk in. For a full list of licensed providers near you, search the SAMHSA treatment locator from a Toledo ZIP code.
Does Ohio Medicaid cover addiction treatment in Toledo?
Ohio Medicaid covers substance use disorder treatment for eligible members, including outpatient counseling, medication-assisted treatment, and residential care when medically necessary. Ohio expanded Medicaid in 2014, so many low-income adults qualify. Confirm your enrollment and covered services before booking.
How does the Lucas County behavioral health board help people without insurance?
The Mental Health & Recovery Services Board of Lucas County, at 701 Adams Street, Suite 800, describes itself as a county safety net for uninsured, underinsured, or indigent residents needing mental health, addiction, prevention, and support services. It funds a network of local providers rather than treating people directly.
Is it safe to stop drinking or using benzodiazepines on my own?
No. Stopping alcohol or benzodiazepines abruptly after heavy, regular use can cause dangerous withdrawal and should be done with medical supervision. In an emergency, call 911; for a mental health or substance use crisis, call or text 988.