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Overview

Increase Awareness
  • 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).