The Heller School for Social Policy and Management
Opioid Policy Research Collaborative

Resources

MADDS

Massachusetts Drug Supply Data Stream (MADDS) is designed to learn about the local illicit drug supply to better inform public health and public safety responses. MADDS is a state-funded collaboration between Brandeis University researchers, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, various town police departments and local community partners.

StreetCheck

STREETCHECK is an innovative community-partnered project at Brandeis University’s Opioid Policy Research Collaborative (OPRC) to develop and standardize sample collection and reporting for community drug checking programs. The vision of STREETCHECK streamlines community illicit drug sample collection through the use of a mobile based application, speeds analysis of the samples, and makes it easier to communicate results back.

Naloxone Training and Access:

  • Do you need naloxone or training on how to respond to an overdose? Check out the map of programs that carry naloxone here mass.gov. Naloxone can be ordered for free online here [youcan.info].

Overdose:

  • Report an overdose. If you responded to an overdose, your information could help uncover trends, identify hotspots, or inspire new overdose prevention programs. Overdose reports can be submitted online at https://redcap.link/overdosereport.
  • Want to talk about it? If you have questions or would like to debrief an overdose you responded to, you can reach out to naloxone@mass.gov.

Hotlines:

  • Using drugs alone? Call Safe Spot [safe-spot.me] (1-800-972-0590) for free, confidential, and virtual overdose spotting services.
  • Looking for treatment? Call the Massachusetts Substance use helpline at 1-800-327-5050, text “HOPE” to 800327, or visit https://helplinema.org/
  • If you need to talk, the 988 Lifeline is available. Visit 988lifeline.org or call/text 988. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, our caring counselors are here for you

Drug Checking:

Recommended resources for grief or trauma related to overdose response or death:

  • Support After a Death by Overdose [sadod.org] provides resources, information, and assistance to people throughout Massachusetts who have been affected by the death of someone they care about from a substance-use-related cause, including through peer-led support groups.
  • MA Behavioral Health Help Line [masshelpline.com] can connect you directly to clinical help, even if you're not sure what kind of help or treatment you may need. Call or Text 833-773-2445. Free, confidential, no health insurance required.
  • Learn to Cope [learn2cope.org] is a peer-led support network that offers education, resources, and hope for family members and friends who have loved ones affected by substance use disorder

Honoring loved ones:

  • Honor lost loved ones. If you have lost a loved one and would like to honor them, you may consider sharing a photograph and/or their story to The National Addiction Memorial [Shatterproof.org].

Housing/Shelter Directory: