Intensifying Law Enforcement and Public Health Collaboration to Increase Access to Treatment

Law enforcement at every level in the United States seeks to address the country’s drug problem through arrests, drug seizures, and other efforts that disrupt drug markets. These efforts often result in changes, at least in the short term, in the drug consumption habits of people who use drugs. Some, in the aftermath of losing access to a stable source of drugs, may choose to seek substance use disorder treatment if such services are readily available. Others may seek alternative sources or change their patterns of drug use and take greater risks in doing so. Regardless, research suggests this period of time in the immediate wake of a drug enforcement operation can be quite consequential.

This session will address how mobile, low-threshold access to treatment and other healthcare, as well as the distribution of naloxone and fentanyl test strips in the communities most directly impacted by a drug enforcement operation, could reduce overdoses and promote engagement with care. Early research shows promise and points to the need to ensure that the maximum feasible public health benefit is accrued from drug market disruptions through effective law enforcement and health agency coordination.

• Richard Baum will discuss ONDCP’s interest in collaboration between law enforcement and public health organizations to foster treatment entry.
• Brad Ray will describe the academic literature regarding drug seizure impacts.
• Brandon del Pozo will discuss how post-enforcement interventions can be designed to be effective and feasible.