Breaking Down Silos: Leveraging the Power of Federal Cross-Sector Collaboration in the Overdose Epidemic

Given the enormity and growing complexity of the national drug overdose crisis, collaboration across agencies and disciplines is essential. Effective solutions to the overdose epidemic require cross-sector collaboration as each partner brings their unique capabilities, insights, and expertise. Federal partners across multiple agencies are committed to fostering collaboration and building bridges across public health and public safety sectors throughout all levels of government to prevent and respond to the overdose epidemic. As federal agencies, they are also leading by example, recognizing that successful and sustained cross-sector coordination at the community level requires support and buy-in from “the top."

This session will feature leaders from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Office of National Drug Control Policy’s High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program, the Bureau of Justice Assistance, and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General who are committed to coordinating the implementation of various prevention strategies across agencies to help curb the epidemic. Panelists will discuss the value of public health and public safety partnerships in addressing drug overdose; describe ways in which their respective agency is supporting these partnerships, including how these agencies are working together to co-fund many public health and public safety programs; and will provide insights into opportunities for future cross-agency collaboration. They will also share strategies that have helped them establish and maintain their cross-sector partnerships.