NTBHA partners with ARI to utilize TxCOPE (Texas Connecting Overdose Prevention Efforts) Data Collection Software

PRESS RELEASE

Dallas, TX, — The North Texas Behavioral Health Authority (NTBHA) is responding to the need for accurate data collection on overdose through a partnership with Texas Connecting Overdose Prevention Efforts (TxCOPE), an initiative led by the Addiction Research Institute at the University of Texas at Austin.

Led through its Community Health Worker (CHW) program, NTBHA will utilize TxCOPE to collect accurate, real-time data on overdoses in the region. By partnering with TxCOPE, the Community Health Worker Team will have access to a free tool that makes it easy for emergency medical staff, first responders, and overdose prevention organizations to track community data on overdoses in real-time, as well as manage resource allocation.

The tool will allow the outreach team to easily export reports, graphs, and charts which will be key for program evaluations and reports to better understand the issue of overdose. This will allow NTBHA to equip community stakeholders and decision-makers with the most accurate information.

“By providing real-time data, we can drive action in our communities to fight the overdose public health emergency. This platform is safe, anonymous, and gives community programs critical information to target their prevention efforts,” said Dr. Kasey Claborn, Executive Director of TxCOPE and Director of the Addiction Research Institute at The University of Texas at Austin.

NTBHA looks forward to utilizing this application to better address the needs of the community, which by using TxCOPE, is providing a key link, in moving towards reducing the harm of overdose.

ABOUT THE NTBHA COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER PROGRAM

The NTBHA Community Health Worker program provides much-needed community outreach to refer individuals to substance use, mental health, housing, and medical services, as well as connect them to information and resources.

The program aims to achieve multiple objectives, including addressing behavioral health disparities, mitigating the negative consequences associated with substance use, improving retention rates in substance use and mental health services, assisting individuals in managing their medical needs, and supporting those who wish to establish a strong foundation for their recovery. The CHW team works tirelessly in the community providing outreach throughout the six-county region of NTBHA. They are on the front-line working to provide education, awareness, and preventative solutions to address the issue of overdose.