Communities across the nation continue to experience the devastating toll of the overdose epidemic. During the HEALing Communities Study, our intervention teams used services and activities that scientists previously tested and found to be effective at reducing rates of opioid-related overdose deaths, known as “evidence-based” practices. We believe the evidence-based practices included in our Opioid-Overdose Reduction Continuum of Care Approach (ORCCA) show promise for reducing overdose and other negative outcomes associated with opioid use disorder in your community.
The Opioid-Overdose Reduction Continuum of Care Approach contains three categories of evidence-based practices:
Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)
MOUD is one of the most effective routes to recovery for individuals with opioid use disorder.
Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution (OEND)
Learn about strategies to educate the public about overdose and make naloxone, the overdose-reversal medication, more readily available.
Safer Opioid Prescribing and Dispensing
Learn about strategies to reduce high-risk prescribing/dispensing and safer opioid disposal.
This video introduces the three evidence-based practices part of the Overdose Reduction Continuum of Care Approach (or ORCCA) and reviews the evidence in favor of each of these practices. Four health care professionals share their experiences implementing these practices.
The video was co-developed by HEALing Communities Study investigators from Boston Medical Center and the University of Kentucky.
Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)
Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) Resources
Opioid Overdose Prevention Education and Naloxone Distribution (OEND)
View practice guides, road maps, campaign playbooks, and other resources from the HEALing Communities Study
Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) are one of the most effective routes to recovery for individuals with opioid use disorder. HCS communities implemented a variety of practices to increase access and acceptance of MOUD, which include buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone. All these medications have received FDA approval for OUD treatment and have helped individuals sustain long-term recovery. Here, we provide resources about strategies to raise awareness and increase availability of MOUD in your community.
Dr. John Winhusen, Professor at University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and HCS principal investigator, explains how medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) work, their effectiveness, and debunks common myths about MOUD.
Courtesy of HEAL Connections
This video provides an overview of methadone and addresses some common myths clients might hear about methadone use.
Naloxone administration can reverse an opioid overdose if given in time and is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for both over-the counter and prescription use. Overdose education and naloxone distribution (OEND) programs train people on how to recognize an overdose, administer naloxone to someone who they suspect may be overdosing, and make naloxone widely available in communities. HCS communities implemented a variety of OEND programs to increase the availability of naloxone with the goal of reducing overdose deaths.
Dr. Alexander Walley, Professor at Boston University School of Medicine and HCS principal investigator, debunks common myths about naloxone and explains its life-saving potential.
Courtesy of HEAL Connections
Video providing overview of fentanyl that also addresses common fentanyl myths individuals may have heard.
This video provides instruction on how to respond to a suspected opioid overdose and how to administer the life-saving drug naloxone, with visual demonstration.
To contain the overdose epidemic, we must engage the medical community and local citizens in the safer prescribing and disposing of opioid prescriptions with a potential for misuse. Here, we provide information on strategies to promote safer prescribing practices to medical practitioners and involve community members in the responsible safekeeping and disposing of opioid prescriptions.
Sample video PSA about the importance of safe opioid disposal and community disposal locations.