The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recognizes that faith-based and community partners eagerly and willingly step in to meet the needs of their colleagues, friends and neighbors — especially during a crisis. As such, we want to equip our partners to respond to the current opioid health crisis — complementing their compassion and local understanding with the expertise of HHS.
This toolkit, which is segmented into seven key areas, briefly covers practical ways your community can consider bringing hope and healing to those in need. To further complement this kit, we recommend signing up for our monthly webinars, which go into greater detail and highlight promising practices. Sign up by emailing us at Partnerships@HHS.Gov.
Since much of the funding to address the opioid crisis is being awarded to states, it is important to know that State Opioid Response (SOR) grant funds can be used to the provision of substance use disorder services by faith-based organizations. For more information, please read this letter from Shannon Royce, Esq., Director of the Partnership Center for Faith and Opportunity Initiatives, as well as this set of FAQs from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) that affirms states are allowed to use a portion of their funds through indirect funding or voucher programs to enhance client choice and increase program participation by a variety of groups, including faith-based partners. If you have any questions, please call the Partnership Center at 202-358-3595.
Open Your Doors
Host or offer space to recovery programs and support groups.
Increase Awareness
Provide educational opportunities that create understanding and encourage compassion.
Build Community Capacity
Offer training programs to build the capacity of communities to respond.
Rebuild and Restore
Support individuals and families in rebuilding their lives.
Get Ahead of the Problem
Focus efforts on youth and prevention.
Connect and Collaborate
Join local coalitions to inform, connect, and strengthen your efforts.
Federal Resources
Find resources for faith-based and community leaders and their members.
The Opioid Epidemic Practical Toolkit
Download our complete The Opioid Crisis Practical Toolkit: Helping Faith-based and Community Leaders Bring Hope and Healing - PDF (4th Edition) to share. People using assistive technology may not be able to fully access information in this file. For assistance, please contact the Partnership Center team at 202-358-3595 or Partnerships@HHS.Gov.
National Opioids Crisis
Access National Opioids Crisis help, resources, and information.