impact areas

The opioid overdose crisis affects every community in Massachusetts, from our neighborhoods to our workplaces. It is a complex, evolving problem that requires a flexible, coordinated response. No single policy or program can solve it alone. RIZE serves as a trusted convener and connector, bringing together practitioners, researchers, decision-makers, community leaders, and people with lived and living experience to align resources and accelerate solutions.

We pursue a multi-faceted, evidence-driven strategy: we listen to what’s happening on the ground, test promising approaches, monitor the success of our collaborations, and refine our work in partnership with stakeholders. Our vision, “zero stigma. zero deaths.”  guides our focus on three interconnected impact areas — investing in community, generating knowledge, and building inclusive networks — and uses iterative, cross-cutting strategies to strengthen each area and amplify impact.