HRiA completed a substance abuse risk assessment study for the Cecil County Health Department in Cecil County, MD. Cecil County has one of the highest rates of opioid overdose deaths in the state and a significant gap in resources. HRiA was hired to examine the drivers of substance abuse in the region and identify evidence-based strategies that would work well in the local context. In this seven-month study, HRiA conducted numerous key informant interviews and focus groups with providers, residents, recovering users, affected family members, government officials, school officials, and law enforcement in addition to analyzing existing health data and reviewing the existing services and programs available in the community.  The study was released to the public and is now being used as a foundation for community-based planning around substance abuse.