This is a brief report from the National Academy of Medicine that provides and expands upon key priorities to mitigate the worsening of the opioid crisis and other substance use disorders during the coronavirus pandemic. 

This is an academic paper that uses a simulated model to predict the impact of different interventions to reduce opioid-related mortality. No single intervention had a substantial impact, but combining interventions that increase capacity for treatment with medications for opioid use disorder, improve retention on these medications, and increase naloxone distribution had a significant impact, highlighting the need for a portfolio of evidence-based policies and interventions. 

A toolkit which provides guidance on coordination of opioid response services for public health officials, law enforcement, criminal justice officials, and first responders. This resource was developed to aid these separate local jurisdictions in reducing opioid overdose deaths by increasing collaboration and coordination among all sectors. The three goals of this toolkit are to create a shared understanding, optimize capacity, and increase shared accountability for these different branches. 

This is an academic paper that provides an overview of Oregon’s multidimensional approaches towards the opioid crisis, which achieved 20% reductions in opioid prescribing and a 30% reduction in the opioid overdose fatality rate. This comprehensive state response is framed in cautious opioid prescribing, increasing access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), and overdose prevention with naloxone. 

This is a report from the Public Library Association and OCLC that describes how public libraries are supporting their communities through the opioid crisis and how libraries are partnering with organizations to meet local needs. The responses of eight public libraries across the nation are discussed in detail within this document. 

This is an article from NASHP that describes Louisiana's statewide response to ensure access to harm reduction services, which include syringe service programs, overdose prevention, and infectious disease testing. Funding allocation, the use of telemedicine, and addressing disparities is discussed. 

Given that stigma and judgment around drug use can lead to being treated differently by doctors and medical staff, this is a booklet developed by the Harm Reduction Coalition that has been written for people who use drugs in order to make going to the doctor and getting other kinds of health care easier. 

This is a website from the research center RAND that serves as a source for innovative research in opioid policy science. Tools and information on responses to the opioid crisis that target a wide range of stakeholders are provided, which includes a database of academic literature. 

This is an academic paper that provides a review of public health messaging related to harm reduction, and calls for these services as being essential during the coronavirus pandemic. The reference list has 60 reports and papers related to the intersection of the opioid crisis and the pandemic. 

This is a consensus report based on a meeting of experts that provides guidelines to implement best practices in syringe service programs (SSP) related to implementation, operations, data collection, and research/evaluation. 

This resource guide from SAMHSA explains that the central focus of a recovery-oriented systems of care (ROSC) is to create an infrastructure or system of care with the resources to effectively address the full range of substance use problems within communities. Recovery-oriented activities include providing a menu of traditional treatment services and alternative therapies, including peer recovery coaching, acupuncture, meditation, and music and art therapy.

According to this document, recovery support services, including employment assistance, child care, care management, and housing support, may enhance the engagement of individuals and their families in achieving and sustaining recovery.

This is a report from JBS International targeted towards people who use drugs that provides guidance on navigating the coronavirus pandemic and decreasing risk of overdose, including safe injection practices, access to naloxone, and treatment options.