In 2025, NDEWS launched a new component consisting of quarterly surveys to informal networks sent on a rotating basis. They incorporate groups who offer a unique insight into local trends related to substance use, including new routes of administration, polysubstance use, drug-related mortality, changes in the drug supply, and associated health risks, as well as understanding patterns in substance use and overdoses at the community level.
The goal of these quarterly surveys is to build a multidisciplinary network, designed to track trends and share real-time insights, helping people stay informed. This collaborative reporting system allows for two-way communication between experts and the public, ensuring a continuous flow of information in both directions. By sharing their insights, respondents help track emerging drug trends and improve evidence-based prevention and treatment efforts, and reduction of health risks associated with substance use across the country to further enhance the more formal NDEWS Early Warning Network.
At this time, NDEWS has established five informal networks of experts (so far), including:
- Medicolegal Death Investigators (MDI)-Network (medical examiners, coroners, toxicologists, forensic professionals, other medicolegal affiliates)
- Funeral Directors (DCP)-Network (funeral directors and others who work in services related to death)
- K-12 School Affiliate-Network (superintendents, parent teacher organizations/associations, principals, teachers, student support staff, guidance counselors, school nurses)
- Community Overdose Response-Network (drug checking groups, overdose prevention centers, consumption sites, syringe exchanges, peer support services)
- Press-Network (journalists, reporters, correspondents, writers, and other news related affiliates)
2026
Community Overdose Response Network Reports
Community Overdose Responder Network Report, Fall 2025: Anecdotes from the field (57 responses across 29 states)
- Published in NDEWS Weekly Briefing Issue 268: January 30, 2026
2025
K-12 School Affiliate Network
K-12 School Affiliate Network, Fall 2025: Substances that are being used by students on school grounds or at school-sponsored events, and outside of school.
- Published in NDEWS Weekly Briefing Issue 258: November 21, 2025
Community Overdose Responder Network Reports
Community Overdose Responder Network Report, Spring 2025: Shifts in the local drug supply including adulterants, with a particular focus on sedatives
- Published in NDEWS Weekly Briefing Issue 246: August 29, 2025
Medicolegal Death Investigator Network Reports
Medicolegal Death Investigation Network Report, Spring 2025: Shifts in drug supply, naloxone administration and other drug-related trends observed in recent decedents, post-mortem toxicology, and/or ME/C reports
- Published in NDEWS Weekly Briefing Issue 237: June 27, 2025
Medicolegal Death Investigation Network Report, Summer 2025: Prevalence of fentanyl and sedatives in case work + other trends of note
- Published in NDEWS Weekly Briefing Issue 249: September 19, 2025