Opioids in Appalachia: The Role of Counties in Reversing a Regional Epidemic

A report on the opioid crisis in the Appalachia region of the United States. The report describes the disproportionate impact opioid misuse and overdose has had on the region, and provides proven strategies for local action based on case study reports. Recommendations are made for enhancing leadership, prevention, recovery, rehabilitation for justice-involved individuals, and economic development. Continue reading

Spotlight: Pennsylvania’s Warm Hand-Off

A brief overview of Pennsylvania’s program to implement warm hand-off’s to treatment for individuals seen in hospitals and emergency departments for addiction related issues. In 2016 the state Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs required all county addiction authorities to develop a warm hand-off plan for individuals treated for opioid overdose in a hospital or emergency department. The program has significantly increased the percentage of patients who enter treatment after receiving a screening and assessment and a direct referral to treatment through this program. Part of the Addiction Policy Forum’s Spotlight series which highlights innovative programs to address the opioid crisis.

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Spotlight: Jackson County Anti-Drug Coalition

A brief overview of the Jackson County, West Virginia Anti-Drug Coalition (JCADC), a multi-agency drug abuse prevention program. Started in 2009 to address growing substance misuse in the region, the coalition includes the local health department and 12 community organizations including law enforcement, youth coalitions, treatment providers, medical professional, civic and religious groups, business owners, the board of education and the local media. JCADC provides culturally appropriate education campaigns, drug take back events,and collects data on overdose deaths and the drugs involved to target interventions and media campaigns. The JCADC efforts have resulted in a reduction in both overdose deaths and misuse of prescription medication in the community. Part of the Addiction Policy Forum’s Spotlight series which highlights innovative programs to address the opioid crisis.

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Yellow Line Project

Website for the Yellow Line Project in Blue Earth County, Minnesota which is a collaboration between law enforcement, human services and care providers to improve coordination and access to treatment for individuals with substance use or mental health conditions in lieu of in incarceration. Continue reading

County-level Vulnerability Assessment for Rapid Dissemination of HIV or HCV Infections among Persons who Inject Drugs, United States

This 2016 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study looked at data to identify counties in the United States that were vulnerable to HIV or hepatitis C outbreaks in persons who inject drugs. The study identified 220 counties in 26 states with heightened vulnerability to HIV and hepatitis C outbreaks and encouraged state and local health departments to implement prevention strategies. Continue reading

Aligning City, County and State Resources to Address the Opioid Epidemic

This report draws on knowledge gained from the Mayors’ Institute on Opioids which focused on assisting 6 communities in addressing their opioid related issues. This report describes the findings from this project, including emphasizing the need for cross-sector partnerships and integration, a focus on equity and reducing stigma, and innovative ways to use data to focus cross-agency partnerships. Continue reading

Applying Population Estimation Methods in Rural America

This toolkit from the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University provides guidance on using data to understand the nature and the scope of the opioid crisis and how to use data to help design population level responses to the opioid epidemic. Includes information from a population estimation study in rural West Virginia. Continue reading