The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) and the Washington-Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (WB HIDTA) have partnered to improve overdose data collection and incident reporting through the Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program (ODMAP). With the participation of 126 agencies and 443 users, ODMAP has become an invaluable tool in the fight against drug overdoses.
“By harnessing the power of ODMAP's real-time data visualization, mapping capabilities and spike alert framework, West Virginia now has the most comprehensive view of overdose activity available,” said Rachel Thaxton, Interim Director of DHHR’s Office of Drug Control Policy. “This near real-time representation of overdose incidents enhances situational awareness at a local level and provides vital insights to law enforcement personnel statewide.”
The data analysis conducted by ODCP Regional Coordinators has further unveiled sentinel cities in neighboring states, believed to be the sources of illicit substances, including fentanyl and xylazine, circulating within West Virginia. ODMAP's spike alerts preemptively inform ODCP Regional Coordinators, state and local EMS, as well as Quick Response Teams (QRT) of potential surges in overdose activity. The spike alert feature is also used to inform public health leaders statewide of increased overdose activity and location.
"The collective efforts of our partner agencies have been instrumental in the success of ODMAP in West Virginia," added Thaxton. "This groundbreaking program has not only enhanced our ability to respond rapidly to overdose incidents but has also provided valuable insights into the sources of illicit substances. We are committed to utilizing ODMAP to its full potential in our ongoing fight against the opioid crisis."
For more information on West Virginia’s efforts to combat the substance use epidemic, visit the ODCP website and dashboard. Contact HELP4WV for 24/7 confidential support and resource referrals through call, text, and chat lines. HELP4WV also offers a Children’s Crisis and Referral line. Call 844-HELP4WV, text at 844-435-7498, or chat at www.help4wv.com.