This is an academic paper that provides commentary an overview of operational changes for 82 syringe service programs SSP) across the United States as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Most SSPs remained open (85%) but services were disrupted as some offered less services and others had moved to mobile outreach. 

These are the slides from a webinar by several federal organizations, including the CDC, HRSA, and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, that discuss the importance of syringe service programs (SSP) as a public health intervention to address the opioid crisis. An overview of evidence, funding, and examples of comprehensive SSPs are provided. 

This is a report published by the Centers for Disease Control. It provides a broad framework for new and existing syringe service programs to ensure needs-based service delivery, reduce harms related to injection drug use, and link participants to services that support their health and wellness. Experiences of existing syringe service programs are highlighted. 

This is an academic paper that provides commentary on the emergence of fentanyl in opioids, creating an unsafe illicit drug supply. The benefits of innovative and controversial policies, such as low-threshold opioid distribution programs and safe injection facilities, are discussed. 

This is a report from the National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP) that explores innovative approaches Louisiana, New York, and West Virginia have taken to address co-occurring HIV and Hepatitis C (HCV) infections and substance use disorder (SUD) – providing both rural and urban perspectives – and highlights their resourceful use of funding streams, leveraging of data, and advancing community readiness.

This is an academic paper that provides an overview of naloxone take-home programs implemented across the United States and best practices for these programs as well as a summary of their effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. 

This is an academic paper that documents the currently available opioid-related smartphone apps and reviews past and existing technology solutions that address opioid use disorder (OUD), including educational apps for prescribers, wearable sensors, and GPS locator apps. 

This is a report from the Police Executive Research Forum, which convened public safety and public health experts to provide recommendations as standards of care for police departments in addressing the opioid crisis. Additionally, successfully implemented models are highlighted in this document. 

This is a report from the National Academy of Medicine that describes the impact of the opioid crisis and promising approaches for five specific subpopulations: justice-involved populations, rural populations, veterans, adolescents and young adults, and persons who inject drugs.

Given that the construction industry is at much higher risk for overdose, this is a website that provides a free opioid awareness training program tailored to employers and employees in this industry but can be used by any industry, and includes PowerPoint slides, a facilitator guide, participant handouts, and links to helpful resources specific to employers. 

This is an editorial in an academic journal about the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on different aspects of the opioid use disorder treatment system, including opioid treatment providers, buprenorphine prescribing, bridge clinics, telemedicine, and delivery of harm reduction. 

This is an academic paper that conducts a systematic review to examine the evidence for overdose education and naloxone distribution (OEND) programs. The study found OEND programs are effective for reducing opioid-related mortality; however, additional high-quality research is required to optimize program delivery.