Counties are on the front lines of the opiod crisis, providing public services that make it possible to survive and recover from substance use disorder. With the introduction of the Opiod Solutions Center to support counties in this work, the National Association of Counties (NACo) is curating, collecting and promoting effective county solutions that address opioid and substance use disorder.

Through the Opioid Solutions Initiative, NACo empowers local leaders to invest resources in effective treatment, recovery, prevention and other public health practices that save lives and address the underlying causes of substance use disorder.

When it comes to the opioid crisis, counties matter. Local 911 call centers are the first to receive calls for help when an overdose happens. Local first responders are the first to arrive on the scene to stabilize the crisis. In many cases, local hospitals and detox centers provide continuing care for people who have overdosed. That’s why a stronger county response is a more effective national response.