In partnership with the Legislative Analysis and Public Policy Association (LAPPA), the O’Neill Institute developed model legislation to guide states seeking to grow and develop a substance use disorder workforce that meets the unique and diverse needs of its citizens. Read the model law.
About
The United States continues to grapple with a substance use disorder (SUD) and overdose epidemic. Communities and states across the country are experiencing a significant shortage of the workforce needed to adequately address this issue.
The “Model Building A Substance Use Disorder Workforce of the Future Act” provides states with a framework for (a) identifying challenges, opportunities, and gaps in the state’s SUD workforce; (b) developing a state-specific strategy to build and sustain an SUD workforce that meets the needs of individuals, families, and communities; and (c) implementing and evaluating the state’s plan of action. Experts at the O’Neill Institute developed this model law in collaboration with the Legislative Analysis and Public Policy Association, the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), and an interdisciplinary team of subject matter experts.
In 2024, 80,391 Americans lost their lives to fatal overdoses.
The CDC reports more than 178,000 deaths due to excessive alcohol use in a single year
Yet, only 15% of people with SUD receive treatment, and even fewer have access to timely, high-quality, individualized support.
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A well-trained and adequately staffed workforce is necessary to address our nation’s addiction epidemic, improve treatment outcomes, and prevent overdose deaths. As the demand for SUD services continues to grow, states, service providers, payers, and communities must develop innovative solutions to recruit, retain, and sustain a workforce that meets the evolving needs of individuals, families, and communities impacted by addiction.
Featured Work
Journal Article
Recovery Ready Workplaces: A key strategy for reducing overdoses and sustaining recovery from substance use disorder
Read the journal article.Our Team
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