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Abstract

Drug addiction and misuse haves long plagued communities throughout the country, with drug overdose claiming more than 750,000 lives over the past two decades. As the crisis is multifaceted, it requires and beckons all sectors to respond, including the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. This creates unique data sharing challenges. In response to those challenges and recognizing the need for more accurate and timely data, the Washington Baltimore HIDTA created the Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program (ODMAP). This platform provides near real-time suspected overdose surveillance data across jurisdictions to support public health and safety response efforts. This article discusses the utility and functionality of ODMAP, and shares perspectives and practices established from the ODMAP stakeholder community, providing insight about effective information sharing and partnership, the use of ODMAP, and putting data into action.

Key Take Away Points

  • Explain how ODMAP can support public health and public safety overdose response efforts
  • Identify the importance of coordination and collaboration for overdose response

Author Biography

Sarah: Sarah Ali is the Strategic Planning Coordinator for the CDC Foundation, working as part of the Overdose Response Strategy (ORS). The ORS is an unprecedented public-public safety partnership between the HIDTA program and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with the mission of reducing overdose rates through information sharing and coordination at the state and regional level. Before transitioning to this role, Sarah most recently served as the Connecticut Public Health Analyst for the ORS, as part of the New England High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (NEHIDTA). Sarah was previously part of the CDC Public Health Associate Program, assigned to a field position with the Orange County Health Department in New York, focusing in the areas of infectious disease epidemiology and public health emergency response. Sarah then worked as a Planning Analyst for the World Health Organization Health Emergencies Programme in Geneva, Switzerland. Sarah completed her Bachelor of Science in Public Health from the University of South Carolina and Master of Public Health in Chronic Disease Epidemiology and Global Health at Yale University. Aliese:Aliese Alter is a Senior Program Manager for the Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (W/B HIDTA), overseeing both the Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program (ODMAP) and Case Explorer systems. ODMAP provides near real-time suspected overdose surveillance data across jurisdictions to support public safety and public health efforts to mobilize an immediate response to a sudden increase, or spike in overdose events. Case Explorer is a web-based law enforcement software program with a focus on information sharing among different agencies in the law enforcement and intelligence community. In her role as Senior Program Manager, she is responsible for the overall management of ODMAP and Case Explorer, including outreach, program development, implementation and national partnerships. Aliese is responsible for interfacing with thousands of partners representing government, law enforcement, and public health nationally to support data driven efforts to reduce overdoses, as well as facilitate information sharing. Prior to joining the W/B HIDTA, Aliese served as a Detective in Richmond, VA. During her career, she held a variety of assignments to include: Patrol, Recruitment, and Special Victims Unit. Aliese has a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from Longwood University; and is currently enrolled in a Master of Science program in Emergency Health Services at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, with an anticipated graduation date of May 2021. Jeff:Jeff Beeson serves as the First Deputy Director and Chief of Staff for the Washington/Baltimore HIDTA. In this capacity, he is responsible for supporting the overall administration of the HIDTA program including the budget, threat assessment and strategy, training, the Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program (ODMAP), as well as direct oversight of the Overdose Response Strategy. Jeff brings over two decades of experience at both the state and federal level focusing on grant management, public policy, and public safety initiatives. Prior to joining the W/B HIDTA, Jeff served as Assistant Vice President for applied research at Towson University overseeing a portfolio of state and federal grants and contracts focusing on training and public safety. Jeff also served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation overseeing correctional and adult education, apprenticeship, and workforce development programs. He served under two administrations within the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services managing reentry programs and supporting progressive criminal justice policies. Jeff began his career as a senate staffer working for US Senator Barbara A. Mikulski of Maryland. Jeff has a master’s degree in social science with a focus in criminal justice and a bachelor’s degree in political science.

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