As the field of public health rises to the demands of real-time surveillance and rapid data-sharing needs in a postpandemic world, it is time to examine our approaches to the dissemination and accessibility of such data. Distinct challenges exist when working to develop a shared public health language and narratives based on data. It requires that we assess our understanding of public health data literacy, revisit our approach to communication and engagement, and continuously evaluate our impact and relevance. Key stakeholders and cocreators are critical to this process and include people with lived experience, community organizations, governmental partners, and research institutions. In this viewpoint paper, we offer an instructive approach to the tools we used, assessed, and adapted across 3 unique overdose data dashboard projects in Rhode Island, United States. We are calling this model the “Rhode Island Approach to Public Health Data Literacy, Partnerships, and Action.” This approach reflects the iterative lessons learned about the improvement of data dashboards through collaboration and strong partnerships across community members, state agencies, and an academic research team. We will highlight key tools and approaches that are accessible and engaging and allow developers and stakeholders to self-assess their goals for their data dashboards and evaluate engagement with these tools by their desired audiences and users.

As the field of public health rises to the demands of real-time surveillance and rapid data-sharing needs in a post-pandemic world, it is time to examine our frameworks for the dissemination and accessibility of such data. Distinct challenges exist when working to develop a shared public health language and narratives based on data. It requires that we assess our understanding of public health data literacy, revisit our approach to communication and engagement, and continuously evaluate our impact and relevance. Key stakeholders and co-creators are critical to this process and include people with lived experience, community organizations, governmental partners, and research institutions. In this Viewpoint Article, we define the approach and tools we used, assessed, and adapted across three unique overdose data dashboard projects. We are calling this model the Rhode Island Framework for Public Health Data Literacy, Partnerships, and Action. This framework was developed to guide the development and improvement of data dashboards in a manner that was driven by collaboration and iteration, and leveraged strong partnerships across community members, state agencies, and an academic research team. We will highlight the key tools and approaches that make this framework accessible and highly engaging and allow developers and stakeholders to self-assess their goals for their data dashboards and evaluate engagement with these tools by their desired audiences.

Background: Rhode Island has the tenth highest rate of accidental drug overdose deaths in the United States. In response to this crisis, Anchor Recovery Center, a community-based peer recovery program, developed programs deploying certified Peer Recovery Specialists to emergency departments (AnchorED) and communities with high rates of accidental opioid overdoses (AnchorMORE). Objectives: The purpose of this paper is to describe AnchorED and AnchorMOREs activities and implementation process. Methods: AnchorED data were analyzed from a standard enrollment questionnaire that includes participant contact information, demographics, and a needs assessment. The AnchorED program outcomes include number of clients enrolled, number of naloxone training sessions, and number of referrals to recovery and treatment services. Overdose deaths and naloxone distribution through AnchorMORE were mapped using Tableau software. Results: From July 2016-June 2017, AnchorED had 1329 contacts with patients visiting an emergency department for reported substance misuse cases or suspected overdose. Among the contacts, 88.7% received naloxone training and 86.8% agreed to continued outreach with a Peer Recovery Specialist after their ED discharge. Of those receiving peer recovery services from the Anchor Recovery Community Center, 44.7% (n = 1055/2362) were referred from an AnchorED contact. From July 2016-June 2017, AnchorMORE distributed 854 naloxone kits in high-risk communities and provided 1311 service referrals. Conclusion: These findings indicate the potential impact peer recovery programs may have on engaging high-risk populations in treatment, overdose prevention, and other harm reduction activities. Additional research is needed to evaluate the reach of implementation and services uptake.

In response to Rhode Island's overdose epidemic, we developed a collaborative, statewide online "dashboard" to provide the public with timely overdose surveillance data. The Web site- www.PreventOverdoseRI.org (PORI)-offers user-friendly data visualizations, plain language education, and interactive resource maps. Development of the site has improved overdose data sharing and transparency in Rhode Island. Preliminary results suggest a successful site launch. Future research will evaluate the effectiveness of PORI in terms of informing strategic initiatives to reduce overdoses in affected communities.