This series of briefs highlights innovations happening in Erie County, New York, the site of a recent peer exchange for the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Program (COSSAP) grantees. Erie County was selected as the site of this peer exchange due to its comprehensive and collaborative approach to addressing the opioid crisis.

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Opiate Task Force

The Erie County Opiate Epidemic Task Force was formed to collaboratively address issues arising from opiate misuse.

Opiate Court and Probation

The Erie County Opiate Court and Erie County Opiate Probation Unit were created to provide alternatives to incarceration and connections to community-based treatment for individuals with substance use disorders.

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Peer Navigators

Erie County Peer Navigators are used to facilitate connections to treatment in various parts of the county’s opiate response.

Rapid Access to Treatment

Erie County provides a number of services to expedite referrals to treatment.

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Law Enforcement and Public Health

Erie County works with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to train first responders on recognizing opiate overdoses.