State Opioid Response (SOR)

The State Opioid Response (SOR) IV

Arizona State University’s Southwest Interdisciplinary Research Center (SIRC) is leading a three-year initiative to strengthen the state's response to adolescent substance use, including opioid and stimulant misuse. Funded through the State Opioid Response (SOR) IV grant, this project provides specialized training and technical assistance to healthcare providers, educators, and community professionals who serve youth ages 12–19.

Despite high rates of substance use among adolescents, access to treatment remains limited. This initiative addresses that gap by equipping providers with evidence-based tools and strategies for person-centered care, cultural responsiveness, and collaboration with systems like child welfare and juvenile justice. Through partnerships with ASU’s School of Social Work and Project ECHO, the initiative also develops and disseminates adolescent-focused training materials statewide, with an emphasis on reaching rural and underserved communities.

By building provider capacity, this initiative aims to improve treatment access and outcomes for Arizona’s youth while contributing to a more effective and sustainable behavioral health workforce.