This second part of a two-part series discusses partnerships between law enforcement agencies and community organizations as key elements of the broader public health approach to overdose prevention and offers steps for Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Program grantees to implement or support similar programs.
This article addresses the opioid overdose epidemic, with the aim of providing resources for a holistic response. The article discusses partnerships between community entities and law enforcement agencies (LEAS), which can play a critical role in improving outcomes for people affected by the opioid epidemic through existing community-led efforts. Topics discussed include LEA partnerships with the following: local treatment providers, to address opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment, and local harm reduction organizations, which aim to reduce the negative consequences associated with drug use using practical strategies such as promoting the use of naloxone and access to proper syringe disposal. The article also provides examples from the field, such as: Angel Program, in Gloucester, Massachusetts; and Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion, in Seattle, Washington. Next steps for Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Program (COSSAP) grantees include: training law enforcement officers (LEOs) about the importance of treatment and harm reduction services for people who use opioids or other drugs; creating a network of local treatment providers; and identifying local syringe service programs (SSPs).