To aid in addressing the overdose epidemic, the CDC Foundation in support of the Overdose Response Strategy has hired 60 public health analysts to partner with public health and public safety offices across the nation.

The CDC Foundation’s Expanding Capacity to Address the Drug Overdose Epidemic program supports more than 200 field staff stationed across 45 jurisdictions as part of the CDC’s Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) program. CDC Foundation staff help public health departments and community organizations collect and respond to detailed information about overdose incidents in their area and advise on prevention strategies.

To expand the national and state Overdose Response Strategy (ORS) model to rural communities in Georgia allowing for strategic planning with local partners and coalitions in rural communities to surface unique needs and priorities and will provide additional resources to extend state action plan activities to selected rural communities when appropriate. This approach will ensure that resources are dedicated appropriately to meet and address the unique needs of rural communities with support and guidance from a national program with established best practices, resources, tools and technical experts.