substance and addiction prevention Branch

Key Takeaways The Statewide Overdose Safety (SOS) Workgroup unites experts across California to strengthen the state's response to the overdose crisis. The group focuses on coordination, information sharing, and reducing fatal overdoses. Three sub-groups – Harm Reduction, Upstream Prevention, and Public Safety – lead focused efforts.

Key Takeaways

The Statewide Overdose Safety (SOS) Workgroup unites experts across California to strengthen the state's response to the overdose crisis.
The group focuses on coordination, information sharing, and reducing fatal overdoses.
Three sub-groups – Harm Reduction, Upstream Prevention, and Public Safety – lead focused efforts.

Statewide Overdose Safety (SOS) Workgroup

The Statewide Overdose Safety (SOS) Workgroup brings together experts from across California to strengthen the state's collective response to the drug overdose crisis. Guided by principles of equity, justice, and collaboration, the SOS Workgroup helps agencies understand current challenges, share information, and coordinate strategies to reduce the harms of substance use and overdose.

Goals

Strengthen coordination and information sharing among state partners.
Implement cross-cutting strategies to address overdose in California.
Reduce the number of fatal overdoses in California.

Sub-groups

To organize efforts and focus expertise, the SOS Workgroup includes three sub-groups, each addressing specific priorities.

Harm Reduction

Prevent overdose deaths through harm reduction approaches.
Remove barriers to treatment, including access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), and increase treatment retention.
Support partner communications and networks in order to facilitate effective overdose prevention initiatives.
Reduce stigma toward people who use drugs and promote participation in harm reduction strategies and treatment.
Develop processes to address emerging drug contaminants, such as xylazine.

Upstream Prevention

Focus on preventing substance use and overdose before they begin.
Support partner communications and networks in order to facilitate effective overdose prevention initiatives.
Collect and organize data from multiple agencies to better understand trends and needs.
Identify opportunities to align across funding streams.

Public Safety

Reduce barriers to treatment, including access to MOUD, and increase treatment retention.
Collect and organize data sources across agencies.
Support partner communications and networks in order to facilitate effective overdose prevention initiatives.
Reduce stigma toward people who use drugs and encourage participation in harm reduction and treatment services.
Address security and public health concerns related to illicit drugs.
Develop a process to address emerging drug contaminants, such as xylazine.
Identify opportunities to lessen the negative impacts of punitive drug policies.

For more information, please contact OPI@cdph.ca.gov

Page Last Updated :