This study explores community perspectives on harm reduction approaches to opioid use and overdose in a high-risk Northern Appalachian community in Pennsylvania. A variety of conflicting perspectives are described, highlighting the challenges small communities face in creating comprehensive plans to address the opioid crisis.

This is a report from the CDC that discusses the difference between rural and urban areas in the types of opioids involved in drug overdose deaths, deaths involving psychostimulants, geographic differences, and trends over the time period 1999-2019. 

The Opioid Misuse Resource Map provides a list of interventions at the community level to address the opioid crisis by each state. The list shows a number of opioid-related projects that have been compiled from USDA partners and agencies throughout the US. 

This report is a part of SAMHSA's Evidence-Based Resource Guide Series. It promotes policies and practices to lower the risk of overdose for persons with opioid use disorder who are or have been in contact with criminal justice systems with a focus on medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD).

This guide:

• reviews literature and science
• examines emerging and best practices
• determines key components of peer-reviewed models that affect policies and programs
• and identifies challenges and gaps in implementation

Additionally, examples of implemented programs and links to resources are provided in this document. 

This is an academic paper that gives a balanced policy analysis of the impact of the decriminalization of illicit drug use in Portugal. A wide array of outcomes are assessed in this drug policy reform. 

Using National Vital Statistics System mortality data (2002-2004 and 2014-2016), this study examined associations of county-level demographic, socioeconomic, and labor market characteristics on overall drug mortality rates and specific classes of opioid mortality. 

This is a white paper from the National Governors Association that discusses the history of how states have used emergency powers to provide governors with new avenues to enhance capabilities, coordination, and collaboration across state and local agencies. Guidance is provided to state officials on how to maximize this tool. 

This is a presentation the describes what fentanyl test strips are, how they might be effective in overdose prevention, discusses legal barriers, and highlights successful pilot programs in distributing fentanyl test strips. 

This is an academic paper that examines the variation in opioid overdose responses among first responders in California. Through surveys with emergency medical services (EMS) directors, protocols, data collection, linkage to treatment, and naloxone distribution were described. 

This is a toolkit which offers information and resources for providing whole person care to individuals simultaneously experiencing homelessness and opioid use disorder (OUD). The toolkit outlines a framework titled whole person care which involves looking beyond the individual's specific issue and instead focuses on the intersecting challenges and strengths of the whole person. In addition the toolkit provides important information on the intersection between homelessness and OUD. 

This is a report from SAMHSA that looks at the role of language in perpetuating stigma for substance use disorders, followed by tips for assessing when and how stigmatizing language is being used and steps for ensuring that the language we use and messages we deliver are positive, productive, and inclusive.

This toolkit offers the support and resources that people with opioid use disorder may need as they navigate housing, employment, and treatment. Each section clearly outlines the rights these individuals hold, how to exercise them, and where to receive more support and resources. It aims to provide the building blocks needed to address discrimination associated with drug use or addiction.