First responders have unique assets that make them well-suited for post-overdose outreach including 911 data, a community service mindset, and the public’s trust and approval. They often conduct non-emergent outreach to address the needs of the community, and post-overdose outreach can be included among these services.

Fire and EMS agencies interested in joining a community of individuals facilitating connections to life-saving services for people who use drugs should speak with harm reduction coalitions, treatment organizations, and others directly serving people who use drugs in their community to determine how they can support the effort.

In addition, the experienced Milwaukee Fire Department’s post-overdose outreach team is available to help first responders and their partners develop a post-overdose outreach program.