2020 Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Program (COAP) National Forum

RTI is looking forward to participating in the 2020 Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Program (COAP) National Forum, supported by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) and held March 10–12 in Arlington, Virginia. The COAP provides support to states, units of local government, and tribal governments to plan, develop, and implement comprehensive efforts to identify, respond to, treat, and support those impacted by the opioid epidemic.

This event provides a forum for site-based grantees, demonstration projects, subject experts, and technical and training assistance (TTA) providers in behavioral health and criminal justice to come together and share best practices from the field.

RTI will be hosting a meet and greet opportunity for the grantees we provide TTA support to in partnership with the National Governors Association (NGA). In addition, RTI coordinated three breakout sessions in three different tracks at the event, and RTI experts will participate in two of those sessions.

Evolution of Drugs of Abuse: How to Keep Up with the Changing Landscape
Track 8G: Innovative Prosecution Strategies and Special Topics
Wednesday, March 11, 2:15 PM–3:15 PM, Roosevelt and Lincoln Rooms

Facilitator:
Jon Zibbell, PhD, Senior Public Health Analyst, Community Health and Implementation Research Program, RTI International

Speakers:
Charlotte Cherry, MS, MPH, Epidemiologist, Office of Informatics and Analytics, Tennessee Department of Health
Sandi Htut, MPH, Data Integration Manager, Office of Epidemiology, Columbus Department of Health
DeMia Pressley, MS, National Forensic Laboratory Information System Program Officer, Diversion Control Division, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration

This session will emphasize the use of available national or state-level data sources to monitor the changing dynamics of substance abuse, drug-related overdoses, and law enforcement interdiction. In addition, emphasis will be placed on timely information sharing across law enforcement and public health agencies that facilitate the implementation and evaluation of strategies to curb the rising rate of opioid, stimulant, and polysubstance use. The workshop will also discuss various data and programmatic dissemination strategies that include the use of media campaigns and webinars.

Information Sharing to Support Collaboration: Understanding patient Health Privacy Protections and Navigating Information-Sharing Challenges
Track 3H: Research, Data Sharing and Mapping
Wednesday, March 11, 3:45 PM–5:00 PM, Potomac Rooms I and II

Facilitator:
Katie Greene, Program Director, NGA Health

Speakers:
Shruti Kulkarni, Senior Associate, DCBA Law & Policy
Tom Pitt, Program Manager, Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Office of Criminal Justice Services

This session includes a brief overview of federal rules and regulations protecting the confidentiality of addiction treatment and personal health information (including 42 CFR Part 2 and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act [HIPPA]) as well as key considerations for state and local governments to protect patient confidentiality when sharing information across public health and safety agencies. Panelists and participants will discuss practical strategies for navigating these challenges and improving information sharing and coordination including facilitating the collection of high priority data streams, developing MOUs and data use agreements (DUAs) to support data and information sharing efforts between public health and public safety, and leveraging university partners to build capacity.

Trauma-Responsive Initiatives: How Law Enforcement is Collaborating with Partners to Support Children Affected by the Opioid Epidemic
Track 5H: Courts, Community Corrections, and Children and Families
Wednesday, March 11, 3:45 PM – 5:00 PM, Washington Rooms

Speakers:
Carolina Close, MA, Research Analyst, Behavioral Health Epidemiology and Treatment Research Program, RTI International
Timothy J. Cruz, District Attorney, Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office
Andrea Darr, Director, West Virginia Center for Children’s Justice, Crimes Against Children Unit, Wester Virginia State Police
Lara Quiroga, M.Ed, Director, Strategic Initiatives for Children, Amoskeag Health

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that can include childhood abuse, neglect, and household challenges such as parental substance use, incarceration, or death. ACEs can have negative, lasting effects on individuals’ health and wellbeing. This session will present examples of law enforcement collaborating with behavioral health, child welfare, and schools to support children experiencing traumatic events related to the opioid epidemic. Speakers will discuss challenges and facilitators encountered when planning, implementing, and evaluating these trauma-responsive collaborations and highlight initial steps that can be taken by communities interested in replicating these programs.

Learn more about our expertise in the prevention, intervention and treatment of opioid use disorder, behavioral health, and criminal justice.