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The Solution

CDC Grants

  • The Overdose Data to Action in States (OD2A-S) is a 5-year cooperative agreement from the CDC that focuses on the complex opioid overdose epidemic and highlights the need for comprehensive prevention methods. The cooperative agreement funds 49 state health departments and the District of Columbia to expand drug overdose surveillance and prevention efforts. Surveillance activities help track overdoses, emerging drug threats, associated risk factors, and enhance bio surveillance and data linkage. Prevention activities promote evidence-based strategies aligned with rapid shifts in overdose trends, including changes in the illegal drug supply and a rise in stimulant and polysubstance use.
  • This program builds upon the previous CDC programs, Overdose Data to Action and the Data-Driven Prevention Initiative.
  • More information on the OD2A grant or previous CDC grants.
  • Through this funding, we have been able to allocate over $600,000 to local area overdose prevention efforts though $5,000-$10,000 mini grants. Check out the Success Stories from our Mini Grant Program. 

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SUDS Task Force

  • The Opioid Abuse Strategic Task Force was formed in the summer of 2016.  Through collaboration with many state and external partners, it became clear that a statewide plan to address all substance use disorders should be developed.  The Addressing Substance Use Disorders in Montana Strategic Plan was developed and put out in 2017, and the task force was renamed the Montana Substance Use Strategic Task Force. The plan is intended to be a living document to include additional metrics and strategies over time as new data, evidence and trends emerge. The Task Force continues to meet quarterly, and anyone is welcome to join the meetings, which occur at the Double Tree by Hilton Helena Downtown, Montana from 10am to 3pm on the scheduled dates.
  • 2026 Meeting Dates: January 21st, April 22nd and July 15th
  • Montana Substance Use Disorder Task Force Strategic Plan 2024-2028

 

Overdose Response Strategy (ORS)

  • The Overdose Response Strategy (ORS) is an unprecedented and unique collaboration between public health and public safety, created to help local communities reduce drug overdoses and save lives by sharing timely data, pertinent intelligence, and innovative strategies.
  • The ORS Team for Montana, which consists of a Public Health Analyst (Jordan Friend) and a Drug Intelligence Officer (Will Janisch), began their work in late 2021, partnering with public safety and public health agencies across the state to address rising overdoses across the state at the local community level.
  • One of the tools being utilized in Montana is the Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program (ODMAP). ODMAP is a free, nation-wide system that provides near real-time data on suspected overdoses across jurisdictions to support public safety and public health efforts to mobilize an immediate response to a sudden increase, or spike, in overdose events. 
  • Over 120 agencies across Montana are currently utilizing ODMAP to help address the growing overdose problem in Montana. Partners working on drug overdose prevention efforts may be eligible for an ODMAP account and can fill out the ODMAP interest form for support. More information is available in the DPHHS ODMAP User Manual.