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