Addiction is a treatable, chronic, medical condition. Tap local health experts to help diminish the stigma surrounding the condition, it's symptoms, as well as any contributing factors.
62.6% of Americans misuse opioids for pain. Promote an understanding of pain treatment options and management. www.GO.USA.gov/xP7gW
Educate your community by downloading and distributing information from the CDC's Rx Campaign www.CDC.gov/RxAwareness and SAMHSA's Opioid Resource website www.GO.USA.gov/xPcmv.
Invite individuals in recovery to share their stories with your community.
Open Your Doors
Increase the number of "life lines" in your community by hosting or connecting people to community-based, recovery support programs (e.g., NA, AA, Celebrate Recovery, etc.)
Post local meetings and the link to SAMHSA's https://FindTreatment.gov in your newsletters, community calendars, websites, and social media channels.
Screen a film on the opioid crisis and host a post-show community dialogue. Films, such as NOVA's Addiction, Heroin(e) or the FBI's Chasing the Dragon, include free discussion guides.
Build Community Capacity
Train community members to recognize the symptoms of an overdose and how to administer naloxone, an opioid overdose-reversal drug. www.GO.USA.gov/xE2EB
Coordinate a Mental Health First Aid or Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) training for your community.
Learn about trauma-informed approaches and the critical connection between recovery and resiliency for people affected by trauma. www.GO.USA.gov/xpTVg
Rebuild and Restore
Support individuals and families who are rebuilding their lives by assisting with food or housing. Consider a bike repair and loan program for those needing transportation.
Connect with job placement efforts and certification programs that provide life skills, on-the-job-training, and internships. Consider partnering with local business sector to support folks in getting back to work and to school (e.g., culinary arts, housekeeping, welding, etc.).
Offer financial literacy courses or assistance with job readiness that includes reading, writing, and communication skills, or help with securing their GEDs.
Get Ahead of the Problem
Find ways to give teens the straight facts about brain development and substance use, so they can make smart life choices. www.Teen.DrugAbuse.gov
Host educational series on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and trauma-informed approaches. www.GO.USA.gov/xE4WY
Learn how to identify and support youth at high-risk for substance misuse with prevention efforts. www.GO.USA.gov/xpTNv
Create or volunteer for mentoring programs that help to strengthen the resilience of younger generations.
Connect and Collaborate
Participate in local coalitions by contacting the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America. www.CADCA.org
Help prevent access and misuse of prescription drugs in your home and community. Partner with local pharmacies near you, as well as local law enforcement, and host a "Prescription Drug Take Back Day". www.TakeBackDay.DEA.gov
Partner with local providers to assist foster families by donating clothing, furnishings, and other necessities, as well as volunteering for support services (e.g., babysitting, house-keeping, lawn care, etc.)
Federal Resources
Share the federal resources included in this toolkit. To access the online version of our Practical Toolkit (live links), please visit. www.HHS.gov/Opioid-Practical-Toolkit
Sign up for our monthly newsletter: Partnerships@HHS.gov and follow us on Twitter (@PartnersForGood) and Facebook (@HHSPartnershipCenter).
