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. 

This is an academic paper that summarizes over one hundred community plans to address the opioid crisis in the United States and Canada. These were found in both the peer-review and grey literature. According to this paper, most community opioid-related plans were provincially/state-funded, public health-led efforts that involved an average of seven partners, with law enforcement, healthcare, and public health sectors commonly represented in partnerships.

This is an academic paper that explored the support and attitudes of emergency department (ED) personnel in Nevada towards using a mobile outreach team following the presentation of an opioid overdose to the ED. Findings suggest strong support and enthusiasm for this type of intervention. Giving ED personnel an approach to manage patients after a nonfatal overdose, through the use of reaching out to a mobile outreach team, is promising and will likely be utilized. 

This is an academic paper published by the Harm Reduction Journal that discusses the relationship between syringe service programs and law enforcement in the state of Colorado. Through a review of syringe service programs in the state, the authors identified barriers and suggest effective strategies that would improve the relationship between syringe service programs and law enforcement. This positive relationship can have positive impacts on syringe service clients.