A rapid-cycle assessment strategy for understanding the opioid overdose epidemic in local communities

Certain communities in the United States experience greater opioid overdose mortality than others. This study aimed to understand multiple stakeholder perspectives on the opioid epidemic in eight communities in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, an area disproportionately affected by opioid overdose mortality. The study found considerable variation in beliefs within and between communities, suggesting that interventions to stem overdose should be based on understanding of a community’s needs and strengths and tailored according to the community’s cultural norms.