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NORC at the University Chicago

Community Overdose Prevention Education: Project COPE

A diverse businesswoman leads a seminar in a bright, naturally-lit conference room.
Evaluating the impact of training on behavior change, naloxone distribution, and overdose in New York state
  • Funder
    Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration
  • Dates
    September 2021 – Present

Problem

Drug overdose continues to rise despite prevention and treatment efforts.

More than 932,000 Americans have died of a drug overdose since 1999. In 2021, overdose deaths surpassed 100,000 in a 12-month period for the first time in the U.S. and are continuing to rise despite prevention and treatment efforts.

Solution

NORC is evaluating Project COPE, which provides targeted overdose prevention education for professionals and communities.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) awarded the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) a grant to provide opioid overdose prevention education for disproportionately affected populations in New York State and the professionals who serve them. These populations include:

  • Pregnant, parenting, and postpartum women and their families
  • Persons experiencing intimate partner violence
  • Native American communities
  • LGBTQIA+ individuals

OASAS contracted with NORC to evaluate the project and determine its impact on knowledge and skills transfer, Naloxone distribution, and overdose. 

Result

Our evaluation will monitor key deliverables and outcomes to maximize Project COPE’s impact.

We are using evaluation data to track progress towards goals and objectives, for quality improvement, and to assess the impact of opioid-related overdoses among disproportionately affected communities. Findings will inform strategies to address gaps in overdose prevention in training, Naloxone distribution and administration, and disparities in access to services.

Project Leads

“As the opioid crisis continues, it’s critical to ensure we are making the most of our limited resources. OASAS asked us to perform a rigorous evaluation so that they can continually adjust the project and achieve maximum impact.”

Brett Harris

Senior Research Scientist

“As the opioid crisis continues, it’s critical to ensure we are making the most of our limited resources. OASAS asked us to perform a rigorous evaluation so that they can continually adjust the project and achieve maximum impact.”

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