Thursday, November 21, 2024
11/21/2024
Riverside County drug overdose death numbers and rates have dramatically increased in recent years. Overdose related emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations are also on the rise. In addition, Riverside County residents experience high rates of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and adverse community experiences (ACERs). Both increase risk for substance abuse and overdose. To address these major causes of premature mortality and morbidity, the Riverside Overdose Data to Action (RODA) project will enhance already robust and functioning data streams with novel data sources to develop a better understanding of the complex and changing nature of the Riverside County epidemic. The enhanced data will inform key prevention strategies selected specifically to match Riverside County needs targeting people who have experienced ACEs/ACERs. RODA surveillance aims to collect and disseminate complete, timely, and actionable data through strong multiagency collaboration and teamwork. Integrating emergency department data (ESSENCE) with real-time emergency medical services (EMS) data and overdose death data, the surveillance team will have the capacity to quickly identify drug overdose outbreaks and notify response agencies. Participating in SUDORS through the Riverside County Sherriff-Coroner’s Office, will inform statewide strategies. Forming a monthly overdose death review team in partnership with the Coroner will lead to a deeper understanding of circumstances and ACEs-related factors surrounding overdose deaths. Employing Controlled Substances Utilization Review and Evaluation System (CURES) data, California’s PDMP, Riverside County prescribing behaviors and high-prescribing geographies will be understood. Creating a census tract-level overdose risk index using all the above data streams in combination with the California Healthy Places Index-a tool to measure ACERs, will focus and prioritize RODA prevention strategies implementation to the highest risk geographies. RODA will effectively use surveillance data to target prevention strategy implementation. Policy and systems level changes will be addressed through assisting the Inland Empire Opioid Crisis Coalition to align their work plan with California Department of Public Health/California Opioid Safety Network funding work plan strategies. Additionally, using surveillance data Riverside County Public Health will develop their first overdose specific strategic plan. At-risk individuals will be linked to appropriate care through intensive public health nursing case management. Health system prescribing behavior will be addressed through a comprehensive academic detailing program in partnership with the Inland Empire Health Plan. Finally, RODA will empower at-risk youth to make safer choices through a multidisciplinary team of public health educators, behavioral health specialists, and EMS educators. In summary, successful implementation of RODA strategies will decrease Riverside County drug overdose death rate; decrease rate of opioid misuse and opioid misuse disorder; increase provision of evidence-based treatment; decrease the rate of overdose related ED visits; and increase the understanding of the impact of ACEs/ACERs on overdose incidence.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
