This report explains how the U.S. Justice Department's Bureau of Justice Assistance's (BJA's) Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Site-based Program (COAP) can assist tribal governments in addressing the opioid epidemic.
Tribal governments are leading efforts in their communities to counter the opioid epidemic and to coordinate their efforts with other government partners. Many leaders are providing a forum to address readiness, collaboration, support, and culturally responsive strategies; however, this epidemic and long-term financial costs are straining the ability of tribal communities to provide critical services. The COAP was developed as part of the federal Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA). COAP's mission is to provide financial and technical assistance to states, units of local government, and Indian tribal governments for planning, developing, and implementing comprehensive efforts to identify, respond to, treat, and support those harmed by the opioid epidemic. The Harold Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) has been incorporated into the FY 2019 COAP solicitation to improve collaboration and strategic decision-making among regulatory and law enforcement agencies and public health entities in addressing prescription drug and opioid abuse, save lives, and reduce crime. Since 2017, BJA has supported innovative work in more than 200 COAP sites. The COAP focuses on support for first responders on the frontlines of addressing the adverse effects of the opioid epidemic; expanding diversion programs for nonviolent drug offenders; and encouraging and supporting comprehensive cross-system planning and collaboration among agencies addressing some aspect of the epidemic.