This toolkit provides a guideline to address the opioid epidemic on a community-based level.

The Biden administration is embracing harm reduction, which seeks to keep drug users safe even as they continue using. In this episode, Tradeoffs explores how harm reduction has become more mainstream and what kind of impact we can expect it to have on the overdose crisis.

CHCF released a new report that shows that people with a dual diagnosis of mental illness and substance use disorder have a difficult time to receive fully coordinated and effective care. This story is just one of many depicting this reality.

This brief outlines the benefits of a mobile health care system to improve outreach and overdose prevention efforts.

This discussion focuses on the importance of working with community members when creating effective solutions to the overdose epidemic. It emphasizes the valuable insights that can be gained by listening to people on the ground who are deeply impacted by this crisis.

Utah's attorney general describes the role of an AG in the overdose prevention effort, and strategies for bringing different sectors together.

This talk focused on the role of peer recovery coaches as valuable team members when treating substance use disorder.

Hear about accomplishments in legislation related to California's overdose prevention efforts from 2021.

This free training includes an overview of laws that affect how government can respond to health crises in ways that advance rather than hinder health equity.

This video's purpose is to increase awareness and reduce stigma surrounding substance and opioid use disorders and discuss laws and regulations pertaining to substance use and mental health services.

Health plans can influence the behavior of providers and patients, prevent overprescribing, ensure appropriate treatment is available — and save lives. Use this four part guide to change the way in which the epidemic is impacting your community.

MAT has been proven to save lives, improve quality of life, and lower medical costs, but remains inaccessible to almost 90% of the people it could help. This paper outlines concrete strategies that public and private plans can implement in their efforts to ensure that their members have access to MAT when and where they need it.

Successful coalitions are prepared to engage the public, recruit allies for the cause, and get the message out to as many people as possible. A coalition fact sheet will help your coalition tell your story including your goals, strategies, and accomplishments. This template provides an outline with examples and prompts for developing a fact sheet that can be used when creating a coalition website, presentation, or other outreach materials.

This worksheet will help you outline why your coalition is choosing to continue an existing effort or beginning a new project. Make a strong case and approach partners with confidence for why you should continue to develop your coalition. Think about the benefits that your coalition provides to your community, who are you reaching, what are you accomplishing, and how are you promoting healthier lives.

Connections are powerful. They're assets - like money in the bank or social capital --to help us meet our goals of preventing death and disability from opioids. Mapping these assets and creating opportunities for them to contribute to your cause will expand engagement and impact. Use this worksheet to determine who your connections are, who you would like to connect with, and what connections might be missing. Make an action plan to connect with folks that could increase your social capital.

Connections are powerful. They're assets - like money in the bank or social capital --to help us meet our goals of preventing death and disability from opioids. Use this worksheet to figure out where your current connections are within the community, and where you are lacking. Think about connections that may help you sustain your efforts. You may not know the individuals within those groups you would like to make a connection with, but be as specific as possible where you can.

It is often said that what gets measured gets done. Having a measurement plan will help your coalition use data in a strategic and actionable way, including when to adjust your strategies. It will also help you tell a compelling story to your partners, funders and community. This tool provides instructions on how to create a clear plan across multiple areas of your coalition's work.

We hear a lot about the opioid epidemic in the news, but not so much about how we are going to stop it. SafeRx Santa Cruz County has been working in collaboration with doctors, pharmacists, and other community members on preventative measures.

There can be a lot of pushback in communities when it comes to syringe services. This article about how pharmacies can expand over-the-counter sterile injection supplies to prevent the spread of infection, especially during COVID-19. 

Opioid prescribing in Marin has decreased 48 percent since 2014, when safe prescribing was made a local public health priority. Read this news release to learn more.