Overdose Data to Action (OD2A)

The federal Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) cooperative is dedicated to supporting communities as they tackle the overdose epidemic through prevention activities and accurate, comprehensive fatal and nonfatal overdose data collection. The overall mission is to gain a deeper understanding of the complex and ever-changing nature of the overdose epidemic by integrating data and prevention tactics. 

States that have been funded through OD2A-S were given a range of surveillance and prevention strategies to focus on including infrastructure improvement, morbidity and mortality surveillance, bio-surveillance, prescription drug monitoring program enhancement, public safety interventions, harm reduction, and community-based linkages to care. By having this two-fold focus, jurisdictions are able to utilize real-time surveillance data to inform immediate and responsive action. 

Missouri is one of 20 states across the country chosen to participate in the surveillance component of OD2A-S. The Missouri Hospital Association (MHA), in partnership with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and several standout hospitals, is focused on better understanding the trends of non-fatal drug overdoses within the state. 

Patients who present to a participating Emergency Department with a suspected drug overdose and have residual blood plasma following medically necessary triage are eligible to be submitted for this public health surveillance. The Missouri State Public Health Laboratory analyzes submitted specimens for 52 substances identified by the CDC as emerging or of concern. Data from the analysis is aggregated and shared back with hospital and community partners to help drive actionable change.