Policymakers & Community Leaders

Responding to Behavioral Health Needs: An Evaluation of the Colorado Office of Behavioral Health’s Co-Responder Program

Evidence Ranking: Promising

Source: Colorado Office of Behavioral Health - Department of Human Services and the Colorado Health Institute

Colorado’s OBH has funded 25 counties to implement co-responder teams of officers and behavioral health professionals beginning in 2018. This evaluation of the first 2 years of the program uses the RE-AIM evaluation framework which looks 5 aspects of the program: reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance.

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Policymakers & Community Leaders
Patients & Caregivers

Civil Legal Aid Helps Those Affected by the Opioid Crisis

Evidence Ranking: Promising

Source: The Justice in Government Project and the National Legal Aid & Defender Association

This 3 page briefing paper discusses the role legal aid services can play in helping address the impact of the opioid crisis on individuals, families, and communities.

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Policymakers & Community Leaders
Payers & Providers

Operation New Hope

Evidence Ranking: Promising

Source: Operation New Hope

Operation New Hope is a model program that provides support, life and job skills training for citizens returning to the community after incarceration in the state of Florida.

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Policymakers & Community Leaders

Indianapolis, Indiana: Enhancing Emergency Response Through a Mobile Crisis Assistance Team

Evidence Ranking: Potential

Source: National League of Cities

This case study on the Indianapolis, Indiana police department’s Mobile Crisis Assistance Team (MCAT) was produced by the National League of Cities as part of their series on local efforts to address the interrelated challenges of mental illness, substance use, and homelessness.

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Policymakers & Community Leaders
Payers & Providers

Spotlight: Pennsylvania’s Warm Hand-Off

Evidence Ranking: Promising

Source: Addiction Policy Forum

A brief overview of Pennsylvania’s program to implement warm hand-off’s to treatment for individuals seen in hospitals and emergency departments for addiction related issues. In 2016 the state Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs required all county addiction authorities to develop a warm hand-off plan for individuals treated for opioid overdose in a hospital or emergency department. The program has significantly increased the percentage of patients who enter treatment after receiving a screening and assessment and a direct referral to treatment through this program. Part of the Addiction Policy Forum’s Spotlight series which highlights innovative programs to address the opioid crisis.

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Policymakers & Community Leaders

Spotlight: Jackson County Anti-Drug Coalition

Evidence Ranking: Potential

Source: Addiction Policy Forum

A brief overview of the Jackson County, West Virginia Anti-Drug Coalition (JCADC), a multi-agency drug abuse prevention program. Started in 2009 to address growing substance misuse in the region, the coalition includes the local health department and 12 community organizations including law enforcement, youth coalitions, treatment providers, medical professional, civic and religious groups, business owners, the board of education and the local media. JCADC provides culturally appropriate education campaigns, drug take back events,and collects data on overdose deaths and the drugs involved to target interventions and media campaigns. The JCADC efforts have resulted in a reduction in both overdose deaths and misuse of prescription medication in the community. Part of the Addiction Policy Forum’s Spotlight series which highlights innovative programs to address the opioid crisis.

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Policymakers & Community Leaders

Yellow Line Project

Evidence Ranking: Promising

Source: Yellow Line Project-Blue Earth County, Minnesota

Website for the Yellow Line Project in Blue Earth County, Minnesota which is a collaboration between law enforcement, human services and care providers to improve coordination and access to treatment for individuals with substance use or mental health conditions in lieu of in incarceration.

External Website
Policymakers & Community Leaders

Huntington Quick Response Team

Evidence Ranking: Promising

Source: Prestera Center, Huntington Comprehensive Treatment Center, Recovery Point West Virginia, Huntington Police, Huntington Black Pastors Association, Cabell County Emergency Medical Services

These presentation slides describe the Huntington, West Virginia Quick Response Team (QRT) which is a partnership of substance use disorder treatment providers, law enforcement, first responders, and faith-based community members. The QRT’s mission is to follow up on individuals

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