Responding to the Opioid Crisis: What are the Opportunities for Funders to Make a Difference?

The opioid epidemic continues to be a major public health crisis affecting both rural and urban areas. In 2023 alone over 80,000 Americans died from an opioid overdose. Communities face specific challenges in dealing with this crisis based on their location. These challenges include prevention methods, immediate services provision, and ongoing treatment. All funders – not just those focused on health issues – can make a difference.

In this conversation you will learn:

• How communities are using federal investment, such as the Paradigm program, to provide advanced medical services to rural communities.
• How family funders can support community partners in responding to this crisis.
• About opportunities to support preventive methods for young people in education settings and to support incarcerated individuals seeking treatment.
• Ways that donors can provide key investments in solutions alongside state and federal mechanisms.