Monitoring Progress and Identifying What Works

Monitoring Progress on the Opioid Epidemic

The Opioid Epidemic Response Council has developed a set of goals that use measurable state-level outcomes and benchmarks to create a holistic view of current patterns of prevention, early intervention, treatment, and recovery in Minnesota. These performance measures are based on the best available data and can inform the Council about the progress being made toward its goals for addressing the opioid epidemic.

In addition to statewide measures, MMB has developed sample output and outcome measures that community programs focused on opioid prevention, treatment, and recovery could use to monitor and improve their own services.

Identifying What Works

In order to move the needle on the opioid epidemic, MMB evaluates services that do not have evidence yet. High-quality impact evaluations produce new evidence that can help to guide policymaking and funding decisions, and ultimately, drive change toward achieving policy goals. Below are MMB’s impact evaluations of programs that address the opioid epidemic:

Identifying Areas of Need

MMB also works to highlight specific areas of need that might be opportunities for policy change. To date, this has involved reviewing the access to medications for OUD among individuals involved in the criminal justice system.

Suggesting New Evaluations of Innovative Investments for OUD

Researchers from MMB are constantly exploring innovative new programs to consider the viability and value of conducting an impact evaluation of the service or activity. If you would like to suggest a program or service for an impact evaluation, please email us at ResultsManagement@state.mn.us.