Data-Driven Solutions for a Safe and Healthy Tucson: Integrating Public Health and Safety to Combat Overdose Deaths

This description outlines the efforts for the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program (COSSUP) initiative led by the Tucson Police Department (TPD) in collaboration with key partners including the Tucson Fire Department, the Community Safety Health and Wellness program, and the Pima County Health Department. The program aims to integrate regional overdose reporting systems, implement a data-driven regional overdose response program, and develop a sustainability plan for effective intervention. Key objectives include enhancing data accessibility for public health and crime trend analysis, expanding first responder and multidisciplinary efforts to connect individuals to treatment, and institutionalizing harm-reduction strategies. The initiative will be supported by a comprehensive data integration approach, involving a Public Safety Data Lake for real-time strategic decision-making. Program evaluation will focus on qualitative and quantitative metrics, with the goal of reducing overdose incidents, improving treatment access, and fostering community empowerment. Sustainability efforts will ensure long-term impact through ongoing collaboration and integration into existing public health frameworks.