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
Opioid-Overdose Reduction Continuum of Care Approach (ORCCA) Practice Guide
This guide includes (1) a menu of evidence-based practices spanning the continuum of care to reduce opioid overdose deaths and (2) real-word tips for implementing the evidence-based strategies. This guide was developed for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Technology Transfer Centers (TTC) program.
Overdose Education & Naloxone Distribution Outreach Manual (English)
This manual aims to guide community members and agencies in launching effective opioid overdose education and naloxone distribution outreach campaigns, drawing from lessons learned from HEALing Communities Study - Kentucky. It offers suggestions on staffing, venues, scheduling, materials, attire, and tracking efforts, acknowledging the uniqueness of each community's needs.
Overdose Recognition and Response for Bystanders
A printable trifold brochure that instructs bystanders on how to identify an opioid overdose, call for help, and administer naloxone and rescue breathing.
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.
How to use the 72-hour methadone rule to administer methadone to patients in opioid withdrawal.
Long-Acting Injectable Buprenorphine
How to add or expand the availability of long-acting injectable buprenorphine in primary care, behavioral health, specialty substance use disorder, and recovery program settings.
Bridge Clinics in General Medical Settings
This quick guide explains the benefits of community "bridge" clinics. Bridge clinics expand access to methadone by treating opioid withdrawal with methadone for up to 72 hours and providing rapid referrals to outpatient treatment programs.
Establishing MOUD services for hospitalized patients
Starting medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder during hospitalization is associated with a reduction in substance use, improved treatment retention, and decreased hospital readmission. This guide instructs hospital administrators and staff on how to add or expand addiction consultation services.
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.
Making Naloxone Available in Overdose Hotspots
A quick guide to planning and implementing community naloxone cabinets
Distributing Naloxone through Social Networks
Paid peer distributors can deliver naloxone to people in their social networks who are at risk of an overdose yet disconnected from overdose prevention services.
Leave-behind Naloxone programs allow public safety personnel to distribute naloxone to individuals who have experienced an overdose.
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.
Instruction sheet for prescribers to provide to patients when treating acute low back pain.
Instruction sheet for prescribers to provide to patients when treating acute sprains and strains.
Best practices guide for acute dental pain management and accompanying quick reference card.
Best practices guide for managing pain in primary care.
Primary Care Provider Tapering Guide
Quick reference card about tapering chronic opioid therapy, including risk/benefit assessment, when and how to taper, and patient monitoring.
Prescription opioid safety best practices guide for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians (CPE credit available until 12/31/24).
Quick reference card with methods of prescription opioid disposal and sample community flyer with opioid disposal information and locations.
Quick reference card with methods of prescription opioid disposal and sample community flyer with opioid disposal information and locations.
Primary Care Provider Naloxone Guide
Naloxone quick reference card for prescribers and other health professionals.