Beyond the Overdose: Building a Comprehensive Continuum of Care to Prevent the Next Fatality

Session Description: Many overdose response initiatives focus on the individual who overdosed. Cumberland County, New Jersey, is expanding that approach by asking a different question: Who else is at immediate risk, and how can we help prevent the next overdose before it occurs? This presentation highlights an innovative evolution of Operation Helping Hand that extends beyond traditional post-overdose outreach to build a comprehensive, community-wide continuum of care. Drawing from overdose fatality review findings, ODMAP data, and law enforcement experience, Cumberland County has identified several overlooked opportunities to reduce overdose deaths. Attendees will learn how the County is developing and implementing strategies to: Provide long-term grief and bereavement support for families following overdose fatalities. Conduct proactive outreach to co-users and close associates of overdose victims-individuals at exceptionally high risk of experiencing the next overdose. Identify and intensively engage individuals experiencing multiple overdoses using ODMAP and other data-driven approaches. Strengthen jail-to-community recovery transitions through coordinated reentry planning and continuity of care. Expand culturally responsive outreach and recovery services for Hispanic residents. Integrate behavioral health crisis response teams into overdose response for individuals experiencing co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorders. Rather than viewing overdoses as isolated events, Cumberland County treats every overdose as an opportunity to intervene across an individual's family, social network, and recovery ecosystem. Participants will leave with practical strategies, partnership models, and implementation ideas that can be adapted within their own jurisdictions to strengthen overdose prevention efforts and reduce overdose fatalities.