State strategies to address the opioid and substance use crises extend beyond traditional health systems, requiring cross-agency partnerships and the coordination of evidence-based investments to improve the health of people across all communities. NASHP elevates and facilitates the exchange of best practices across states to reduce overdoses, connect people with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) or Substance Use Disorders (SUD) to care, and integrate services and supports across systems.

Supporting state officials on key priorities for addressing the opioid crisis is a primary focus. Supported by the Foundation for Opioid Response Efforts (FORE), NASHP’s opioids and substance use work includes:

• Highlighting promising practices for reducing opioid-related overdoses and advancing evidence-based strategies to improve substance use prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery infrastructure
• Tracking and analyzing state opioid settlement administrative governance structures​ and spending progress
• Facilitating peer-to-peer discussion through the State Opioid Settlement (SOS) Learning Network and other state-to-state conversations
• Supporting coordination across state Medicaid programs, behavioral health authorities, social service agencies, and other partners providing services and supports for people with OUD/SUD
• Providing targeted technical assistance​ and support to states for policy implementation

Explore the Opioid and Substance Use State Policy Center resources below to learn how states are advancing key priorities for preventing overdoses and improving outcomes for people with SUD/OUD.