Collaborating to Combat Heroin and Opioid Addiction in Arizona

There is enormous evidence that heroin and opioid addiction in the U.S. is increasing at an alarming rate. As it does so, it leaves behind a wake of broken families and lost loved ones and all the while negatively impacting communities across the country. Even so, there are countless organizations spanning a host of disciplines and professions attempting to address the addiction and reduce its negative effects. These stakeholders range from law enforcement professionals to treatment providers to educators and members of the faith community. What they have in common is their desire and passion for addressing some facet of the increasing heroin and opioid epidemic. What they often lack is an intentional plan that collates and meshes these myriad stakeholders into a united effort with common goals and objectives. This paper addresses these shortfalls and advocates for a collaborative, community-wide campaign plan to reduce demand, increase enforcement, and incentivize sobriety.