Overdose Response Strategy
Monthly News and Updates
May 2022
ORS TEAMS IN ACTION
Overdose Response Strategy Teams Present Posters at the RxSummit Conference
Left: Stephanie Thompson, VT PHA. Poster Title: Exploratory Research - stakeholder Perceptions for Causes of Overdoses and Substance Use Disorder (A micro-level analysis)

Right: Nava Bastola, ORS Program Coordinator. Poster Title: A Quick Guide to Evolve, Enhance and Expand the Overdose Fatality Review Model
Houston TX ORS Team Participates in Event to Kickoff Public Awareness Campaign for Fake Pills and Fentanyl
The Houston and Texoma HIDTAs teamed up to promote a public awareness campaign about the dangers of counterfeit pills and fentanyl awareness. Houston ORS team Shaniah Haskins (PHA) and Wendell Campbell (DIO) assisted in organizing the event and HIDTA directors Sumpter and McDaniel were in attendance. Pictured above is Chelsea with her mother Colleen promoting the campaign at a press conference sharing their stories and experience dealing with opioid overdose from counterfeit pills and using Naloxone to respond. During the well attended press conference, law enforcement officials spoke about the escalating dangers of fentanyl and counterfeit pills, treatment and recovery officials spoke to the various programs offered in the Houston region for individuals in recovery, and officials from the Opioid Task Force from Texas A&M University demonstrated how to use Naloxone and discussed its importance. The ORS Team highlighted the program as well as ODMAP.
ORS Representatives at the Domestic Highway Enforcement Conference
ORS Representatives attended the Domestic Highway Enforcement Conference in St. Louis, MO in March to promote the ORS to conference attendees in the partner resource room. In the picture, behind the table from L to R, is Brenda Schell (MO PHA), Karen Wallace (ORS Program Coordinator), Ian Russell (ORS Public Safety Policy Analyst), and Van Godsey (MO DIO).
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Biden-Harris Administration Releases National Drug Control Strategy
The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) and White House issued the National Drug Control Strategy focusing on two main drivers of the opioid crisis: untreated addiction and drug trafficking. In particular, the Strategy focuses on actions we must take to reduce overdoses right now. Those include expanding access to high impact harm reduction tools like naloxone, quickly connecting more people to treatment, disrupting transnational criminal organizations’ financial networks and supply chains, and making better use of data to guide drug policy and save lives.

The ORS is highlighted as a success on page 79 of the strategy!
Justice Department Issues Guidance on Protections for People with Opioid Use Disorder Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Guidance issued by the Department of Justice is intended to help people with Opioid Use Disorder who are in treatment or recovery understand their rights under federal law and to provide guidance to entities covered by the ADA about how to comply with the law. This document explains an individual's rights in a number of settings including employment, health, and participation in state or local government services and programs.
Stephanie Rubel, Overdose Rapid Response Program (ORRP) Coordinator, Receives HHS-Office of Inspector General Award
Stephanie Rubel, CDC health scientist and Opioid Rapid Response Program (ORRP) coordinator, received an HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) Honor Award for Excellence in Promoting Quality, Safety and Value for her work leading ORRP. ORRP is an interagency federal effort to mitigate drug overdose risk among patients impacted by law enforcement actions that disrupt access to prescription opioids. Stephanie was nominated by her colleagues at HHS-OIG for the award. Congratulations, Stephanie!
ORS LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
ORS Communications Webinar
During this webinar, speakers will discuss an overview of ORS Communications, including methods of communication, logo usage, style guide, materials, templates, and creative tools. There will also be dedicated time to discuss the ORS/CDC Foundation clearance process, and Q&A.

Speakers
  • Tiana Conner, MA, Communications Coordinator, Overdose Response Strategy
  • Audi Lahijani, MPH, Emergency Response Officer, CDC Foundation
  • Kiersten Nicholson, MPH, Emergency Response Officer, CDC Foundation

Friday, May 13, 2022 @ 1:00pm - 2:30pm EST
MAY National ORS Highlights
The ORS Highlights Meeting will provide an opportunity to highlight all the ORS Teams throughout the year.

Friday, June 3, 2022 @ 1:00pm - 2:30pm EST

ORS TEAMS PRESENTING THIS MONTH
 Illinois - Iowa - Kansas - Michigan - Missouri - Nebraska
North Dakota - South Dakota

Meeting Agenda
  • Introduction and Housekeeping
  • ORS Team Presentations (6-8 minutes each)
  • ORS Team Introductions
  • Did You Know?
  • Current Work Overview
  • High Level Data
  • Panel Questions/Discussion (30 minutes)
  • Closing Remarks
RESOURCES AND REPORTS
Datasets Describing Syringe Services Programs Laws and Naloxone Overdose Prevention Laws
The Center for Public Health Law Research at Temple University, with support from Vital Strategies, published two new datasets on Naloxone Overdose Prevention Laws and Syringe Service Program Laws. These datasets show the differences in naloxone and SSP laws across jurisdictions overtime.
Law Enforcement Seizures of Pills Containing Fentanyl Increased Dramatically between 2018-2021
National Institutes of Health supported research highlights growing, dangerous trend, particularly for people new to drug use.
The Stigmatization of Justice-involved Individuals with Substance Use Disorders
This report, released by the Legislative Analysis and Public Policy Association (LAPPA) in collaboration with Rulo Strategies LLC, explores efforts to reduce stigma towards individuals with a substance use disorder in public safety and justice settings.
New Nonfatal Overdose Data Dashboard (DOSE)
The nonfatal drug overdose data on this dashboard come from CDC’s Drug Overdose Surveillance and Epidemiology (DOSE) system, which captures electronic health record information in syndromic surveillance systems. This dashboard represents the most up-to-date data that the CDC’s DOSE system has available and is updated shortly after new data are made available each month. Currently, 47 states and the District of Columbia share data with DOSE, and states that do not share these data are labeled “data not available” or “unfunded state."
SOLICITATIONS AND GRANTS
2022 Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Site-based Program
Through this opportunity, the Bureau of Justice Assistance seeks applications for funding to develop, implement, or expand comprehensive programs in response to the overdose crisis and impacts of illicit opioids, stimulants, or other substances. This program provides resources to support state, local, tribal, and territorial efforts to respond to illicit substance use and misuse; reduce overdose deaths; promote public safety; and support access to prevention, harm-reduction, treatment, and recovery services in the community and justice system.
Application Deadline: June 13, 2022
2022 Second Chance Act Pay for Success Initiative
BJA is seeking applications for funding state, local, and tribal governments to enhance or implement performance-based and outcomes-based contracts with reentry, permanent supportive housing, or recovery housing providers to reduce recidivism and address the SUDs impacting formerly incarcerated people.

Application Deadline: June 14, 2022
Tribal Opioid Response Grants - SAMHSA
The purpose of the Tribal Opioid Response (TOR) program is to assist in addressing the overdose crisis in Tribal communities by increasing access to FDA-approved medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder (MOUD), and supporting the continuum of prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery support services for opioid use disorder (OUD) and co-occurring substance use disorders. The TOR program also supports the full continuum of prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery support services for stimulant misuse and use disorders, including for cocaine and methamphetamine. Eligibility is limited to federally recognized American Indian or Alaska Native Tribe or tribal organizations. Tribes and tribal organizations may apply individually, as a consortium, or in partnership with an Urban Indian Organizations.

SAMHSA plans to issue up to 150 awards of up to $55,000,000 for up to 2 years.

Application Deadline: June 27, 2022
EXTERNAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Peer-to-Peer Learning Opportunities with BJAs Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Program
The Bureau of Justice Assistance Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Program offers peer-to-peer learning opportunities for a variety of topics. Participants are matched with an experienced "mentor site" program that provides consultation and support through virtual learning sessions and an on-site visit.
Topics include:
  • Peer Recovery Support Services
  • Law Enforcement/First Responder Diversion and Referral
  • Overdose Fatality Review
  • Evidence-Based Treatment in Custody

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis
Health Equity in the Response to Drug Overdose Training
The Health Equity in the Response to Drug Overdose Online Training is a 12-module, free online course designed to guide local health practitioners in their integration of foundational health equity concepts and practices into their local drug overdose prevention and response efforts. Through the course of this learner-centered training, participants will walk through key health equity concepts and methodologies while engaging in a range of interactive features, from videos to exercises to knowledge checks. Accompanying each module are a series of application exercises intended to put theory into practice, as well as additional resources, tools, and our Health Equity in Action: Real-World Examples from Health Departments Working on Overdose Prevention Programming feature to encourage deeper learning beyond the course and adaptation of example actions within their own jurisdiction.

Training is available on the NACCHO University Platform
RECENTLY PUBLISHED RESEARCH
Buprenorphine in safety-sensitive positions
"Given the lack of evidence showing definitive and specific impairments as a result of chronic buprenorphine use, coupled with the consequences of universal bans on its use, determinations on the permissibility of buprenorphine treatment for safety-sensitive positions should be made on a case-by-case basis.
Medications for opioid use disorder in state prisons: Perspectives of formerly incarcerated persons
Authors explored the experiences and perspectives of formerly incarcerated individuals who used medications for opioid use disorder while incarcerated and after release.
"You can't go wrong being safe": Motivations, patterns, and context surrounding use of fentanyl test strips (FTS) for heroin and other drugs
"Motivations to use FTS among people who use drugs (PWUD) varied, but were largely driven by factors related to knowledge, access, neighborhood, and drug market trends. Frequency of use was characterized by number of FTS, ongoing FTS access, and drug purchasing location and amount."
A national survey of state laws regarding medications for opioid use disorder in problem-solving court
Authors explored existing state laws related to medications for opioid use disorder in problem-solving courts. "Seven states had laws that prohibit MOUD bans, such as laws prohibiting exclusion of participants from programs due to MOUD use or limiting the type of MOUD, dose or treatment duration. Four states had laws that could facilitate access to MOUD, such as requiring courts to make MOUD available to participants."
Peer Support Specialists: An underutilized Resource in the Criminal Justice System for Opioid Use Disorder Management?
"Given the known association between individuals with an OUD and exposure to the criminal justice system, routine inclusion of peer support specialists as part of the addiction interdisciplinary care team in these settings may be an effective opportunity to improve health outcomes and prevent death among incarcerated individuals with an OUD."
WELCOME NEW ORS TEAM MEMBERS!
PHAs and DIOs
Tiffany Brelland - Northern California PHA
Tiffany joins the Overdose Response Strategy partnership as the new Northern California Public Health Analyst. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Science with a minor in Child and Adolescent Development from San Jose State University. In 2019, she earned a Master of Public Health with a concentration in Health Promotion and Behavioral Science at San Diego State University. Tiffany is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) credentialed by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing Inc. In her previous experience, she served as a Prevention Specialist and later as a Program Manager for a non-profit in Santa Cruz County focusing on youth substance use disorder prevention efforts and addressing related health disparities in the local communities. Tiffany is originally from the central coast of California and recently moved to the East Bay area of San Francisco. Along with being passionate about public health, she loves drawing and painting.
Haily Hayden - Wyoming PHA
Haily joins the Overdose Response Strategy program as the new Wyoming Public Health Analyst (PHA). Hailey grew up in Phoenix, and then went on to live in Tucson as she completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Arizona. Upon graduation, she moved to Wyoming and began her dual Master’s programs through Regis University in Denver. She obtained two master degrees in Psychology and Criminology. Hailey went on to work under Wyoming’s only Mobile Crisis Team, where she spent a few years before transitioning over to the implementation of Wyoming’s first LEAD (law enforcement assisted diversion) Program. She was part of the creation and execution of this project housed within the police and sheriff’s department. Through her work, she was able to provide naloxone distribution to those in need, change the stigma around drug use and mental illness around important stakeholders, and decrease the recidivism rate through her harm reduction program. She is excited to work as the Wyoming PHA and looks forward to the collaboration with other PHAs and DIOs.
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