OUR STORY

After seeing a rise in deaths related to opioid overdoses in the region, a group of citizens got together to collectively work on this issue. The group informally convened in late 2015 and officially formed in January, 2016 as the Northern Sierra Opioid Safety Coalition.

The coalition is made up of two teams: the Prevention Action Team and the Harm Reduction Action Team. The Prevention Action Team focuses on promoting responsible prescribing practices, expanding access to safe drug disposal, and educating youth about the risks involved with using opioids and other prescription drugs. The Harm Reduction Action Team focuses on increasing access to medication-assisted treatment, access to clean syringes, and access to naloxone (a life-saving opioid blocker that reverses the effects of an overdose).

The coalition is diverse, made up of partners in public health, local hospitals, the criminal justice system, law enforcement, local nonprofits and the community at large. Since the coalition was formed, the region has seen a reduction in unsafe prescribing practices and in opioid overdose-related deaths. Both action teams meet bi-monthly and are open to the public.

MISSION

To reduce the adverse effects of opioid use for people in our communities by implementing effective prevention, treatment and harm reduction interventions. We do this through individualized support and systems of collaboration.

VISION

Northern Sierra communities are safe places where all people are resilient and supported and have access to tools they need to live fulfilled lives free of stigma and the harms of opioids.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

COMMITMENT

Our commitment to community safety is reflected in the professionalism of our work, our transparency and integrity, our dedication to accountability and sustainability, and our unceasing commitment to creating value and quality in all we do.

COMMUNITY RESILIENCE

We believe in the strength of our communities and seek to engage everyone impacted by the harms of opioids by creating a safe and inclusive environment for all.

HARM REDUCTION

We aim to meet people where they are, no matter what help they need as they struggle with addiction. To reduce negative health outcomes, we honor every step a person or community takes to reduce harm.

COMPASSION

We believe that every life is important, and well-being is supported through compassionate and trusting relationships, free of stigma.

COLLECTIVE IMPACT

Our Coalition and our strategies are inclusive. We encourage bringing all voices to the table and leveraging all resources available to us to have the greatest impact.

COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH

We believe that our approach needs to include diverse, innovative and proven strategies that empower both community members and providers across all sectors.