To develop an evidence based strategic plan to address what the causes of opioid overdoses are and in turn what strategies are needed to reduce these factors in the City of Brockton.

The Brockton Mayor's Opioid Overdose Prevention Coalition was formed to address the escalating problem of fatal and non-fatal overdoses in the City of Brockton. Our Executive Committee is made up of representation from the Mayor's Office, High Point Treatment Center, The Plymouth County District Attorney's Office, Habit OPCO, Learn to Cope, and BAMSI's C.O.P.E. Center.

An intensive 3-month study, including interviews with consumers and stakeholders in the community, in addition to hospital, police, death record, treatment center, and emergency services data, led to the conclusion that the driving forces in Brockton that lead to opiate overdoses are (1) Delays in Seeking Medical Attention due to lack of knowledge of overdose management (2) Lack of Knowledge of Overdose Risk Factors and Overdose Prevention (3) Low Healthcare Provider Knowledge/Skills and (4) Barriers to Contacting Emergency Services. We are implementing strategies in the community to address these factors that will reach our goal of decreasing fatal and non-fatal opiate overdoses in the City of Brockton.

• Approximately two people per day die in the state of Massachusetts due to opioid overdose
• In 2007, Massachusetts reported 645 fatal opioid overdoses (MDPH)
• In 2008, 184 were admitted to the Emergency Departments of hospitals in Brockton due to opioid overdoses

• Trainings, education and outreach for opioid users (in and out of treatment)
• Trainings, education and outreach to bystanders of opioid users (family, friends, service providers)
• Trainings, education and outreach to healthcare providers
• Distribution of information on linkages to services for opioid users
• Working with first responders to decrease barriers to contacting emergency services in the event of an overdose

We are funded by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's (MDPH) Bureau of Substance Abuse Services (BSAS), under the MassCALL2 Grant with technical support from the Southeast Center for Healthy Communities (a program of Healthcare of Southeastern Massachusetts).

• Are you interested in joining our Coalition?
• Would you like to collaborate in the community?
• Do you need emotional support for a friend or family member that uses?
• Want to know more about treatment options and services available in the community?
• Want to utilize our trainings, education and outreach services?
• Want to know more about Narcan and where you can get it in Brockton?