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Using Drug Overdose Syndromic Surveillance Data to Impact Local Public Health Action

Description

Since 2008, drug overdose deaths exceeded the number of motor vehicle traffic-related deaths in Indiana and the gap continues to widen1. As the opioid crisis rages on in the United States the federal government is providing funding opportunities to states, but it often takes years for best practices to be developed, shared, and published. Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) has developed a standard process for monitoring and alerting local health partners of increases in drug overdoses captured in Indiana’s syndromic surveillance system (ESSENCE). ISDH is launching a pilot project to encourage local partners to start a conversation about overdose response capabilities and planning efforts in their community. Other states have published articles about drug overdose syndromic surveillance (SyS) data being used to inform local public health action, however, the local overdose response activity details were vague 2,3. With the opioid crisis continuing to spiral out of control in the United States, it is imperative to work together as local, state, and national partners to find potential solutions to this crisis.

Objective:

The overall objective of this session is to discuss opportunities to use drug overdose syndromic surveillance (SyS) data to encourage action among local public health partners. After this roundtable discussion, participants will be able to:

  • Identify opportunities to promote use of drug overdose SyS data to their health partners.
  • Plan for potential drug overdose public health interventions.
  • Develop relationships with roundtable attendees to continue the conversation and sharing of ideas about use of drug overdose SyS data.
Submitted by elamb on