Information Technology Solutions for Overdose Prevention: Perspectives from the Field

Drug addiction and misuse have 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.