Opioid and Substance Misuse Response Program

​​​​​​The program is developing training sessions covering various topics, including updated training on opioid overdose/naloxone administration for first responders, clinician and nurse training on Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), and training on linkages of care for state Public Health Analysts.

The program ensures the ongoing provision of harm reduction supplies throughout the state by distributing naloxone to communities through Public Health Analysts (PHAs). Additionally, the program is currently collaborating with organizations to install repurposed newspaper stands, offering 24-hour access to harm reduction supplies, including naloxone and Fentanyl test strips.

The program is currently developing training initiatives aimed at encouraging hospital staff and designated personnel in correctional settings to offer overdose prevention education. Additionally, upon release, these initiatives aim to facilitate connections to naloxone, linkages to care, access to resources, peer navigators, and treatment options.

As of August 2020, Georgia allows for the legal establishment of Syringe Service Programs (also known as syringe exchange program, syringe access programs, drug user health hubs, hypodermic syringe, and needle exchange programs).

The Georgia Department of Public Health’s Opioid and Substance Misuse is responsible for supporting and overseeing the Georgia Syringe Service Program, which certifies legal requirements are satisfied before any program begins providing services, ensures programs remain compliant once certified, and provides technical assistance to programs as needed. This ensures programs meet the requirements above and understand the limited immunity provision, and to facilitate connection between programs and existing services.                       

To begin the application, all applicants must create a Knack account. This will allow applicants to   save their application periodically, receive notifications from the Georgia SSP, and meet routine data collection requirements.

Public Health Analysts (PHAs) are locally-embedded employees within Georgia's 18 health districts. Their main responsibility is to execute strategies aimed at preventing and responding to overdoses from opioids, stimulants, and polysubstance use. This involves fostering collaborations among various partners within the district to curb drug overdoses. PHAs bridge the gap between local law enforcement, district and state public health agencies, as well as prevention and treatment organizations. Additionally, they handle responses to overdose clusters and prescription disruption events in their districts, offer substance abuse education, and assist in distributing harm reduction materials to their community.