Can community teamwork steer drug users away from jail and toward recovery? new study aims to find out.

This study looks at how communities can better use deflection programs—which guide people with substance use toward treatment instead of arrest. Researchers will test two community engagement strategies across 20 communities in five states. The goal is to see which approach improves public health (like fewer overdoses) and public safety (like fewer drug-related arrests). About 1,620 staff members from law enforcement, first responder agencies, and treatment programs will take part.