During the first 2 weeks of March, seven newly established Regional Opioid Advisory Coalitions gathered virtually. These teams comprise a diverse group of individuals and organizational representatives who are active in engagement, prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and the recovery of individuals with opioid use disorders and/or substance use disorders. The purpose of the coalitions is to identify, strategize, and address local trends and priorities, gaps in services, and social determinants of health impacting the regions. They will, with the administrative support of the Regional Care Coordination Agency (RCCA), develop, implement, and monitor annual workplans and training and technical assistance plans for each region to address local needs.

A total of 62 representatives throughout the state shared stories of what drives them to continue their work, and there were lively discussions of both local strengths and local needs. While there were many differences across the regions, there were also similarities. For example, stigma is a common barrier to accessing needed services, particularly for pregnant and postpartum individuals. Other themes included the following: