How to Engage People Who Use Drugs in Planning Efforts

Why Engage People Who Use Drugs in Opioid Abatement Fund Planning and Decision Making?

• The Massachusetts state subdivision agreement for statewide opioid settlements strongly emphasizes input from those directly affected by the opioid epidemic
• Ensuring that people most affected by the opioid overdose crisis have an active role will maximize the impact of your work
• People who are actively using drugs have been directly affected by the opioid epidemic and are at highest risk of fatal opioid overdose
• Involving people who are using drugs from the very beginning will set the stage for their meaningful and thoughtful involvement throughout

 

1. Understand why it is critical to include people who use drugs in opioid abatement decision making
2. Learn about approaches for engaging with people who use drugs in a way that keeps them safe and empowers them
3. Identify ways to prioritize the voices of people who use drugs