Join the COPN Accelerator 8 Cohort Program
Applications open October 27 | Applications due December 4 | Cohort launches January 2027
Learn how to apply a data-driven process to identify and address the conditions that impact overdose in your community.
PHI Center for Health Leadership & Impact (CHLI) is pleased to announce our upcoming COPN Accelerator 8.0 cohort program for local overdose prevention coalitions in California.
For every 10 people who die from a drug overdose in California, about 3 of these deaths could be prevented by improving the conditions where people live. The Accelerator 8.0 program is designed to help multisector teams use a data-driven process to identify and plan to address which conditions will make the biggest impact on overdose in their community.
Join the Accelerator cohort program to participate in a statewide learning community that helps strengthen your local partnerships, build buy-in from stakeholders, and advance innovative overdose prevention and treatment interventions.
“The support provided to our coalition through the Accelerator program has helped us be a more engaged coalition…Our partners are not just attending a meeting; they’re becoming part of these projects and people are truly sharing in the work.”
“We are very thankful as a coalition for all the support from COPN over the last two years. It has not only helped us professionally but helped save lives in our community.”
Register Now for an Info Session
Tuesday, October 27, 2026 | 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM PT
Join to learn more about the COPN Accelerator 8 program and application process. We will include a live Q&A session to answer questions and open the application immediately after the event.
About COPN Accelerator 8
IMPORTANT DATES
Applications open Oct. 27, 2026
Applications due Dec. 4, 2026
Cohort launches January 2027
Our approach
Through a guided process, your team will use local data and GIS mapping to identify connections between your overdose and substance use prevention strategies and the upstream drivers of overdose such as housing, transportation and education. Based on those findings, your team will identify a sustainable strategy, implementation partner, and messaging plan to begin addressing the root causes of overdose in your community.
Guided tools, facilitated workshops, and technical assistance provided by subject matter experts will enable your team to meet your coalition’s specific needs while providing an opportunity to learn from other communities across California.
This program offers:
Monthly virtual workshops
Learning group sessions with peer coalitions
Coaching and technical assistance
Customized tools and resources
Virtual convenings
$10,000 mini grant to implement a local assessment, listening sessions or kickoff meeting
Why should we apply?
Gain experience working as a team and learn from other coalitions across California.
Our community is seeking ways to address transportation, housing, civic engagement, etc.
Receive expert coaching from seasoned public health leaders.
Learn from subject matter experts in data analysis, strategic partnerships, and messaging strategies.
Build your skills through monthly workshops, guided tools, and biannual convenings.
Receive a $10,000 mini grant for your team to initiate the strategy you design during the program to address an upstream driver of overdose in your community. Remaining funds can be used to send 1–2 team members to the DHCS Integrated Substance Use Disorder Conference in August 2027.
Who should be on my team?
A team of 4–6 individuals representing multiple organizations or sectors (e.g., government, health care, business), including at least one representative from an agency that addresses a social determinant of health, such as housing, employment, or transportation.
Your team may represent an informal collaborative, local coalition, or group of stakeholders who want to work together to address overdose prevention in your community.
What is expected of participants?
8-month commitment (January through August 2027).
4-6 hours per month.
Participation in all program activities including monthly workshops, guided tools, coach calls, and biannual virtual convenings.
What is the application process and timeline?
Applications released: Tuesday, October 27
Applications due: Monday, December 4
Teams notified of selection: Week of January 4, 2027*
Program launch: January 19, 2027
*a limited number of teams will be selected to join the cohort
“Having a small, multidisciplinary team that worked together on the Accelerator program really served us in terms of focusing our efforts. That collaboration helped us respond to funding opportunities that brought in millions of dollars to our community.”
“Our approach [has become] more mindful and holistic, while focusing on removing barriers to access and being integrative of both the recovery continuum and the community.”
Questions? Contact us today.
Special thanks to our funders
