Public Safety Data

Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program (ODMAP)

Overdose Response Strategy (ORS)Access to near real-time fatal and nonfatal overdose data can help epidemiologists to triangulate and/or confirm suspected outbreaks in their jurisdiction. The Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program (ODMAP) is a tool that can enable communities to develop tailored interventions targeting specific geographic areas or high-risk individuals by helping public health and public safety agencies mobilize prevention and intervention responses. ODMAP is a free, web-based software platform to support reporting and surveillance of fatal and nonfatal drug overdoses. The Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) launched ODMAP in 2017.  

ODMAP is only available to state, local, federal, and tribal agencies serving the interests of public safety and health as part of their official mandate, including licensed first public health response team and hospitals. It is not publicly available, and users must be approved to gain access.  

How Information is Captured in ODMAP 

Data is entered into ODMAP in one of two primary ways. First, registered users can enter data via phone, tablet, or computer. Second, information can be shared via existing information systems using an application program interface (API) which is an intermediary allowing two data programs to interact with each other, reducing the manual entry requirement.  

ODMAP requires users to enter four fields:  

1. Date/time of suspected overdose 
2. Approximate location of overdose (using address, device location, or latitude/longitude) 
3. Fatal or nonfatal overdose 
4. Naloxone administration if applicable 

Optional Information: Users can enter additional information such as case number, victim’s age and sex, primary and additional suspected drugs, hospital transport, whether there were multiple victims, and first responder type that administered naloxone (i.e., fire, EMS, police, bystander, etc.).  

Once data is uploaded it is displayed as an interactive map designed to assist strategic analysis, syndromic surveillance, and response. The dashboard allows analysts to display and filter data by location, time, fatal or nonfatal overdoses, and other parameters.  

Data Protection: 

ODMAP data is considered controlled unclassified information and is released only to authorized personnel who have a need and right to know in the performance of their public safety and public health functions. ODMAP does not collect personally identifiable information  or personal health information. All addresses entered in the system are converted to geocoded locations and are not retained. Additionally, the zoom is restricted so that users cannot view precise locations.  

Potential Epidemiologist Application 

There are a variety of ways ODMAP can be utilized by epidemiologists to support surveillance efforts. First, the near real-time nature of the data often produces one of the first signs of an outbreak in an area. ODMAP has outbreak alert thresholds built into the platform, which are automatically sent to designated users when the number of overdoses in a 24-hour period exceeds the predetermined threshold. Similarly, ODMAP can be used to identify changes in drug trends in an area early in the change, which can inform response efforts and ensure the response is consistent with the type of drugs that are being used in an area. Additionally, agencies can establish outbreak alerts for nearby jurisdictions which can serve as an early warning feature for when an outbreak may be entering their community. Finally, epidemiologists can use the built-in analytical tools to review trends in each area and adapt responses accordingly. To further support local efforts, the Washington/Baltimore HIDTA developed a Spike Response Framework which is designed to provide guidelines and promising practices to address an overdose spike.  

High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) 

Each HIDTA’s mission is to reduce the production, trafficking and use of illegal drugs, related violent crime, and money laundering in the region and throughout the United States.

This mission is accomplished through the coordination and sharing of intelligence, unified law enforcement effort and community cooperation. HIDTA law enforcement investigative initiatives address specific drug threats throughout the HIDTA region. These initiatives and drug enforcement teams are supported by the HIDTA Investigative Support and Deconfliction Center which provides specific intelligence and information sharing services to the law enforcement community. HIDTA may provide information regarding illicit drug trends within the state and other neighboring states. Each state has a HIDTA that is connected across the United States.

HIDTA, with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners and public health partners, works to reduce fatal and non-fatal drug overdoses. Resources utilized and promoted by the HIDTA to identify alerts include the Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program (ODMAP). A growing number of states are legislatively mandating the reporting of overdoses to ODMAP.

Overdose Response Strategy (ORS)

ORS is an initiative to reduce fatal and nonfatal drug overdoses by connecting public health and public safety on teams of Drug Intelligence Officers and Public Health Analysts. Learn more about this project and find points of contact here.