CHJ First Responder Partnerships (CHJ-FRP) TTA Initiative

TASC’s Center for Health and Justice (CHJ), the training and technical assistance (TTA) arm of TASC, Inc. (Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities) proposes the CHJ First Responder Partnerships (CHJ-FRP) TTA initiative. CHJ, with law enforcement, other first responders, and behavioral health partners, will facilitate community-based initiatives and collaborative relationships that provide equitable responses to the overdose crisis.

To meet BJA’s COSSUP TTA program Category 1a (C-BJA-2023-00045-PROD; $3,500,000.00) aims, CHJ will build on 20 years’ experience providing TTA and 10 years’ experience in developing and leading the deflection field. The CHJ-FRP features a strong group of national organizations representing multiple fields, including five major partners—International Association of Chiefs of Police, National Association of State EMS Officials, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, National Sheriff’s Association, and National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children—and other recognized subject matter partners.

Through the CHJ-FRP, this team will help communities establish, enhance and sustain best practice deflection initiatives led by first responders and behavioral health agencies that respond to the overdose and stimulant epidemic through two objectives: 1) developing and disseminating best practice information on deflection, overdose responses and behavioral health services, and reaching underserved communities to first responders and providers; and 2) facilitating adoption and enhancement of first responder-led deflection initiatives, including overdose responses and services, in local jurisdictions for individuals with a substance use disorder.

Key activities will include: a) using new and existing tools to assess grantee and field needs; co-developing tailored workplans with grantees; and supporting implementation of workplans; b) partnering with a diverse range of local and national subject matter experts, including practitioners and persons with lived experience; c) building the knowledge base and capacity of the field by creating resources on deflection, overdose responses, stigma and harm reduction, and reaching underserved communities, and by disseminating best practices and lessons learned at grantee orientation webinars, COSSUP grantee meetings and national, state, local, and tribal conferences; d) supporting BJA, grantees, researchers and the field in performance data collection and reporting; and e) collaborating with COSSUP TTA providers.

The CHJ-FRP program incorporates curriculum development theory and adult learning principles, provides proactive coaching, and will: fast-track success; minimize local initiative errors; reduce implementation time; provide motivation to leaders and staff; and create and share resources in multiple formats. TTA and resources will be adapted for COSSUP grantees and non-COSSUP sites, and mentor sites and learning communities will be important program elements.