In the U.S., drug overdose deaths have increased substantially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Synthetic opioids are implicated as the primary drivers of this increase. Naloxone is recommended for use and distribution by health professionals and laypersons to address this crisis. Given the relative potency of many synthetic opioids, it has been theorized that higher doses of naloxone may be required to effectively reverse overdoses. This study tests that theory and provides recommendations related to naloxone prescriptions.

Developed by a coalition of organizations across the spectrum of the substance use field including physicians, addiction medicine specialists, recovery, treatment, and harm reduction, this webpage offers planning and process level guidance for state and local policymakers to use when planning for opioid settlement funds.

Nationwide settlements have been reached to resolve all opioids litigation brought by states and local political subdivisions against the three largest pharmaceutical distributors. These settlements will provide substantial funds to states and subdivisions for abatement of the opioid epidemic across the country, and will impose transformative changes in the way the settling defendants conduct their business. This web page outlines the various opioid settlements by state, and offers legal documents outlining the risks and opportunities that these funds present.

Opioid settlements with pharmaceutical companies have already occurred, and there are more to come. Settlement funds could save lives and mitigate lifelong harms from opioid misuse if they are allocated to the most effective interventions. This webpage offers effective strategies for ensuring states get it right in terms of the distribution and effective use of these funds.

This video explains the importance of forming alliances on both a local and national level, and how this can contribute to better services and outcomes long-term.

Drug overdose deaths increased approximately 30% from 2019 to 2020 in the United States. Examining rates by demographic and social determinants of health characteristics can identify disproportionately affected populations and inform strategies to reduce drug overdose deaths.

There are many reasons a person under the age of 18 may wish to obtain the life-saving overdose reversal medication naloxone or another opioid antagonist. In 2020, over 15 percent (874 out of 5,502) overdose deaths in California occurred in individuals under the age of 25. Additionally, individuals under the age of 18 may be able to intervene in the overdose of an adult, such as a friend or family member. This fact sheet examines the legality of dispensing naloxone to minors in California.

This toolkit from the CDC is designed to provide an introductory overview of addiction medicine for clinicians and provide strategies that can be implemented in your practice.

There is no one-size-fits-all strategy to changing health behaviors. We approach every challenge through a data-driven lens, bringing together topic research and audience insights to develop tailored behavior change campaigns.

Racial disparities in arrest rates for drugs are a well-documented (and lived) reality. For decades, drug policy has contributed to skyrocketing incarceration rates among minority populations. This video looks at the reasons behind these disparities, and what must be done to achieve improvements in health and racial equity.

This video describes the dangers of using "new marijuana" or “wax,” an altered version of cannabis that is mixed with other, more lethal substances. It shows how this more intense version of THC can negatively impact youth and their brain development.

The SCCY is a group of caring community members working together to make Sacramento a safe place for young people to grow up, free from the influences of substances that are addictive and harmful.

This organization aims to engage Black women in California experiencing substance use disorder by providing culturally relevant resources and treatment options that empower their commitment to physical, spiritual and mental healing.

CCP creates a welcoming, safe space for community members and organizational leaders to hold meaningful conversations, learn together, and take collective action to improve health and equity in California and beyond. We facilitate community change through convening, coalition building, training, and leadership development. By engaging people and communities who often are left out of decision-making, we catalyze innovative solutions and elevate what works.

PRO Youth and Families partners with schools, community organizations, and local governments to engage youth in opportunities that inspire hope. PRO Youth and Families’ offers a variety of direct service programs for youth and supports the Youth & Family Collective initiative that uplifts community organizations, drives collaboration, and fosters capacity building for responsive youth and family programs and services.

Omni Youth Programs mission is to create strong families, develop youth leaders and engage the community to prevent youth alcohol, marijuana & other drug use.

More people are dying from fentanyl-related deaths than firearm-related homicides in Sacramento County. This web page offers resources and stories about how fentanyl-laced pills have affected Sacramento County, and what we can do to curb overdoses in our communities.

This video, narrated by Jay-Z, looks at the disparities in incarceration rates and health equity between different communities affected by the drug epidemic.

When it comes to our health, our zip code matters more than our genetic code. For many communities in California and across the United States, easy access to healthy food options, parks for exercise, and good schools determines quality & length of life. The California Endowment’s 10-year Building Healthy Communities initiative seeks to bring equity to all neighborhoods so that all Californians can enjoy the benefits of healthy communities to live long and prosper.

Within the past two years, 93 California hospital emergency departments have ordered 63,816 units of free, take-home naloxone using CA Bridge’s Guide to Naloxone Distribution. Learn about the top 10 hospital naloxone programs and the life-saving impact these hospitals have on their communities.