The University of Hawaiʻi’s Hawaiʻi Data Science Institute (HIDSI) has played a key role in the state’s latest effort to combat the opioid crisis. In collaboration with the Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH), HIDSI developed a groundbreaking online platform to track and manage the allocation of $150 million in opioid settlement funds.
Funds from the settlement are directed to help with addiction recovery treatment, addiction prevention and the distribution of Naloxone, a life-saving medication used to reverse opioid overdoses.
The Hawaiʻi Opioid Settlement Project (OSP) website, launched in early 2024, enhances public transparency by offering interactive data dashboards that visualize key information. These dashboards provide insights into opioid-related trends, settlement fund distribution and the statewide availability of Naloxone.
“HIDSI was honored to collaborate with the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health on this vital project,” said Sean Cleveland, Information Technology Services acting director of research cyberinfrastructure. “The Opioid Settlement Project dashboard will be a crucial tool as Hawaiʻi addresses the opioid crisis in the state.”
Data-driven transparency
The OSP website features three primary dashboards:
- Opioid Overdose Data Dashboard—Tracks overdose-related statistics, including fatalities and emergency room visits.
- Opioid Settlement Fund Data Dashboard—Details how Hawaiʻi’s settlement funds are allocated across programs.
- Naloxone Statewide Distributions Data Dashboard—Displays data on the distribution of Naloxone across the islands.
Ensuring effective fund use
Under the settlement agreement, 85% of the funds are managed by the state, while 15% are directed by counties. The Hawaiʻi Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee oversees the allocation process to ensure funds are used effectively for treatment, harm reduction and prevention initiatives.
This latest initiative underscores HIDSI’s ongoing commitment to leveraging data science for public health advancements.
