OPTIONS Partner Toolkit
Thank you for spreading the word about OPTIONS! Our partners are critical knots in the safety net, supporting people who use drugs (PWUD) and their loved ones when they need it most.
On this page:
Audience: General Public
Anti-stigma posters
Establish your business, organization, clinic, or community space as one where you treat all people with dignity and respect.
Naloxone poster
Encourage everyone to have naloxone on hand in case of an accidental overdose.
Naloxone Frequently Asked Questions
- Download the Naloxone Frequently Asked Questions or
- Fill out this form to obtain printed 11×17” versions
How can you help? OPTIONS rack card
Help to reduce stigma and show anyone how they can be a part of the solution in Maine.
- Fill out this formto obtain printed rack cards or
- Download the How can you help? – OPTIONS rack card
Have It On Hand Flyer
Encourage everyone to have naloxone on hand in case of an accidental overdose.
- Download the Fill out this form
Maine’s Good Samaritan Law handout
Encourage people to make the call to 9-1-1 for any suspected overdose.
- Download the Maine’s Good Samaritan Law handout to print at home (8.5”x11”)
Naloxone saves lives. Have it on hand. handout
Encourage everyone to have naloxone on hand, and share information on how to obtain it.
- Download the Naloxone saves lives. Have it on hand. handout to print at home (8.5”x11”)
- Naloxone saves lives. Have it on hand. handout (عربي)
- Naloxone saves lives. Have it on hand. handout (Français)
- Naloxone saves lives. Have it on hand. handout (普通话)
- Naloxone saves lives. Have it on hand. handout (Português)
- Naloxone saves lives. Have it on hand. handout (𐒈𐒝𐒑𐒛𐒐𐒘)
- Naloxone saves lives. Have it on hand. handout (Español)
Audience: People Who Use Drugs and Loved Ones
Resources & OPTIONS Liaisons poster
Help connect people to resources for harm reduction, treatment and recovery–including local OPTIONS Liaisons.
- Fill out this form to obtain printed 11×17” versions or
- Download the Resources & OPTIONS Liaisons poster
Stay Safe, Get Well, Stay Well rack card
Reduce stigma, connect people to resources including local OPTIONS Liaisons, and share tips for safer substance use.
- Fill out this form to obtain printed rack cards or
- Download the Stay Safe, Get Well, Stay Well – OPTIONS Liaisons rack card
- Stay Safe, Get Well, Stay Well – OPTIONS Liaisons rack card (عربي)
- Stay Safe, Get Well, Stay Well – OPTIONS Liaisons rack card (Français)
- Stay Safe, Get Well, Stay Well – OPTIONS Liaisons rack card (普通话)
- Stay Safe, Get Well, Stay Well – OPTIONS Liaisons rack card (Português)
- Stay Safe, Get Well, Stay Well – OPTIONS Liaisons rack card (𐒈𐒝𐒑𐒛𐒐𐒘)
- Stay Safe, Get Well, Stay Well – OPTIONS Liaisons rack card (Español)
Harm Reduction wallet cards
Connect people to their local OPTIONS Liaisons and let them know how to call a helpline if they plan to use substances alone.
- Fill out this form to obtain printed wallet cards or
- Download the harm reduction wallet cards
Adhesive mirror & door decals
Share information to connect people to their local OPTIONS Liaisons. Removable, 7″ diameter; can be hung in indoor public spaces.
- Fill out this form to obtain decals
Audience: Healthcare Providers/Clinicians
OPTIONS Liaison Referrals for Clinicians handout
Share information about OPTIONS Liaisons with your clinical team, so they are able to make referrals for substance use support services.
Naloxone Information for Clinicians handout
Share information about Maine’s Naloxone Distribution Initiative with your team, plus guidance they can give patients on how to obtain naloxone.
Audience: Pharmacists
Have It On Hand – Naloxone Rack Card for Opioid Prescriptions
Have It On Hand – Naloxone Flyer for Pharmacies
Social Media
Follow the OPTIONS social media accounts so you can stay up to date with Liaisons, share content related to substance use, and tag us in your own posts!
- Facebook: Know Your OPTIONS
- Instagram: @knowyouroptionsme
- YouTube: @knowyouroptionsme
- LinkedIn: Know Your OPTIONS
Create and Post Content on Your Social Media Account(s)
Want to get involved? Below are suggested social media posts (including text and graphics) for you to post on your organization’s social media channel(s). Simply highlight the text to copy and paste the messages to your social media channels. Check out this how-to guide to learn how to co-brand with OPTIONS.
To save the graphics in the table below, ‘Right Click+Save As’ to download the graphic onto your computer, then upload the image to your selected social media channel.
Call 9-1-1 for any possible overdose. - Facebook
Because every person’s life is worth it: Call 9-1-1 for any possible overdose. Maine’s Good Samaritan Law protects people experiencing an overdose, and those providing aid, from arrest or prosecution for violations including most non-violent crimes and all drug crimes. Learn the details at: knowyouroptions.me/good-samaritan-law/ #OPTIONSME #GoodSamaritanLawME
Call 9-1-1 for any possible overdose. - Instagram
Because every person’s life is worth it: Call 9-1-1 for any possible overdose. Maine’s Good Samaritan Law protects people experiencing an overdose, and those providing aid, from arrest or prosecution for violations including most non-violent crimes and all drug crimes. Learn the details at: KnowYourOptions.ME. #OPTIONSME #GoodSamaritanLawME
Call 9-1-1 for any possible overdose. - Twitter/X
Because every person’s life is worth it: Call 9-1-1 for any possible overdose. Maine’s Good Samaritan Law protects people experiencing an overdose, or providing aid, from arrest or prosecution. Get details at: knowyouroptions.me/good-samaritan-law/ #OPTIONSME
Call 9-1-1 for any possible overdose. Good Sam Law - Facebook
If someone you are with is experiencing an overdose, use naloxone AND call 9-1-1. Maine has a law in place to ensure that people who seek help in the event of an overdose are legally protected. Learn more about Maine’s Good Samaritan Law at: knowyouroptions.me/good-samaritan-law/ #OPTIONSME #GoodSamaritanLawME
Call 9-1-1 for any possible overdose. Good Sam Law - Instagram
If someone you are with is experiencing an overdose, use naloxone AND call 9-1-1. Maine has a law in place to ensure that people who seek help in the event of an overdose are legally protected. Learn more about Maine’s Good Samaritan Law at: KnowYourOptions.ME. #OPTIONSME #GoodSamaritanLawME
Call 9-1-1 for any possible overdose. Good Sam Law - Twitter/X
If someone you are with is experiencing an overdose, use naloxone AND call 9-1-1. Maine’s Good Samaritan Law ensures that people who seek help in the event of an overdose are legally protected. Learn more at: knowyouroptions.me/good-samaritan-law/ #OPTIONSME
Naloxone saves lives. Have it on hand. - Facebook
Accidental overdose can happen to anyone taking an opioid, but it doesn’t need to be fatal. Have naloxone on hand to save a life. Learn more about naloxone and find it for free near you at: knowyouroptions.me/get-naloxone/ #OPTIONSME #NaloxoneSavesLives #HaveItOnHand
Naloxone saves lives. Have it on hand. - Instagram
Accidental overdose can happen to anyone taking an opioid, but it doesn’t need to be fatal. Have naloxone on hand to save a life. Learn more and find free naloxone near you at: KnowYourOptions.ME. #OPTIONSME #NaloxoneSavesLives #HaveItOnHand
Naloxone saves lives. Have it on hand. - Twitter/X
Accidental overdose can happen to anyone taking an opioid, but it doesn’t need to be fatal. Have naloxone on hand to save a life. Learn more about naloxone and find it for free near you at: knowyouroptions.me/get-naloxone/ #OPTIONSME #NaloxoneSavesLives #HaveItOnHand
If you could save a life, would you do it? - Facebook
Have naloxone on hand. It is simple to use and it will not harm a person that does not have opioids in their system. Naloxone is available without a prescription at Maine pharmacies, and is also distributed by many organizations for free. Find information and free naloxone near you at: knowyouroptions.me/get-naloxone/ #OPTIONSME #NaloxoneSavesLives #HaveItOnHand
If you could save a life, would you do it? - Instagram
Have naloxone on hand. It is simple to use and it will not hurt anyone who is not experiencing an opioid overdose. Naloxone is available without a prescription at Maine pharmacies, and is also distributed by many organizations for free. Find information and free naloxone near you at: KnowYourOptions.ME. #OPTIONSME #NaloxoneSavesLives #HaveItOnHand
If you could save a life, would you do it? - Twitter/X
Have naloxone on hand. It is simple to use and it will not hurt anyone who is experiencing an opioid overdose. Find free naloxone near you at: knowyouroptions.me/get-naloxone/ #OPTIONSME #NaloxoneSavesLives #HaveItOnHand
Do you know your local OPTIONS Liaison? - Facebook
There are many resources and services available related to substance use, but not every option is a good fit for every person. Your local OPTIONS Liaison can help navigate and find what will work for you or your loved one. Connect with them today at: knowyouroptions.me/options-liaisons/ or call 2-1-1. #OPTIONSME
Do you know your local OPTIONS Liaison? - Instagram
There are resources available for substance use disorder, and not all are a good fit for every person. Your local OPTIONS Liaison can help navigate and find what will work for you or your loved one. Connect with them today at: KnowYourOptions.ME/Options-Liaisons or call 2-1-1. #OPTIONSME
If you could save a life, would you do it? - Twitter/X
There are resources available for substance use disorder, and not all are a good fit for every person. Your local OPTIONS Liaison can help navigate and find what will work for you or your loved one. Connect with them today at: knowyouroptions.me/options-liaisons/ or call 2-1-1. #OPTIONSME
Know your OPTIONS to stay safe, get well, and stay well. - Facebook
Over time, substance use changes the way the brain works, making it difficult to stop. If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use, support is available wherever you are. Search for resources in Maine at: knowyouroptions.me/resources/ or call 2-1-1. #OPTIONSME
Know your OPTIONS to stay safe, get well, and stay well. - Instagram
Over time, substance use changes the way the brain works, making it difficult to stop. If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use, support is available wherever you are. Search for resources in Maine at KnowYourOptions.ME/Resources #OPTIONSME
Know your OPTIONS to stay safe, get well, and stay well. - Twitter/X
Over time, substance use changes the way the brain works, making it difficult to stop. If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use, support is available wherever you are. Search for resources in Maine at: knowyouroptions.me/resources/ #OPTIONSME
I love someone who uses substances. - Facebook
Substance use disorder is a chronic condition that changes the way a person’s brain works, making it difficult to stop. It can happen to anyone. Stigma towards people who use substances can make people feel devalued, dehumanized, and isolated. Help fight stigma in Maine by visiting: knowyouroptions.me/fight-stigma/ #OPTIONSME
I love someone who uses substances. - Instagram
Substance use disorder is a chronic condition that changes the way a person’s brain works, making it difficult to stop. It can happen to anyone. Stigma towards people who use substances can make people feel devalued, dehumanized, and isolated. Help fight stigma in Maine by visiting: KnowYourOptions.ME/Fight-Stigma/ #OPTIONSME
I love someone who uses substances. - Twitter/X
Substance use disorder can happen to anyone. Stigma can make people feel devalued, dehumanized, and isolated. Help fight stigma in Maine by visiting: knowyouroptions.me/fight-stigma/ #OPTIONSME
I've been there. - Facebook
There are multiple pathways to recovery. It took nine different programs for Chantel to find the right one for her. You define what your path looks like. Hear stories of hope from real Mainers at: knowyouroptions.me/stories/ #OPTIONSME
I've been there. - Instagram
There are multiple pathways to recovery. It took nine different programs for Chantel to find the right one for her. You define what your path looks like. Hear stories of hope from real Mainers at: KnowYourOptions.ME/Stories #OPTIONSME
I've been there. - Twitter/X
There are multiple pathways to recovery. It took nine different programs for Chantel to find the right one for her. You define what your path looks like. Hear stories of hope from real Mainers at: knowyouroptions.me/stories/ #OPTIONSME
Additional Social Media Graphics
Short videos are a great way to increase online engagement. OPTIONS has short videos designed to change the conversation and replace outdated stigma with compassion, community, and connection. Please share these videos on your platforms. You can access videos on the YouTube: Know Your OPTIONS channel and on the Maine Stories of Hope and Maine’s OPTIONS Liaisons, in their own words pages.
About the OPTIONS Initiative
The Overdose Prevention Through Intensive Outreach Naloxone and Safety (OPTIONS) initiative is a coordinated effort of the Maine Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) and other state agencies to improve the health of Mainers with substance use disorder. OPTIONS supports treatment, harm reduction and recovery, and aims to reduce the number of fatal and non-fatal drug related overdoses.
About the OPTIONS Liaisons
- Every county in Maine has a dedicated OPTIONS Liaison who can offer support and connect you to resources for harm reduction, treatment, and recovery. Find your local OPTIONS Liaison or make a referral at KnowYourOptions.ME.
- OPTIONS Liaisons are behavioral health clinicians who work alongside local emergency medical services (EMS) and law enforcement agencies to provide support and help connect you to resources for harm reduction, treatment, and recovery. OPTIONS Liaisons can provide therapeutic interventions when appropriate, conduct proactive outreach, de-escalate behavioral health crises when possible, and follow up after overdoses occur to help with referrals. Get in touch with your OPTIONS Liaison, find local resources, and learn more at KnowYourOptions.ME.
About the OPTIONS Website
There are many resources and services available in Maine related to substance use, depending on your or your loved ones’ needs. Visit KnowYourOptions.ME to:
- Connect with your local OPTIONS Liaison, who can help people who use drugs (PWUD) and loved ones navigate resources and services available.
- Browse our resource catalog by county to connect with local organizations.
- Find information on Maine’s Good Samaritan Law.
- Learn how to access free naloxone.
- Download and share educational materials.
- Learn how you can help reduce stigma in Maine.
- Learn more about topics related to substance use.
About the OPTIONS Campaign
The OPTIONS communications campaign is working to reduce stigma, connect people to resources for harm reduction, treatment, and recovery, and reduce fatal overdoses in Maine by increasing the use of naloxone and calls to 9-1-1 for accidental overdoses. Visit the OPTIONS website to find information, resources, and materials for download, or to get in touch with your local OPTIONS Liaison who can help to navigate services. OPTIONS save lives, and every Mainer’s life is worth it.
Maine’s Good Samaritan Law
If you believe someone is experiencing an overdose, administer naloxone, and call 9-1-1 immediately. Maine has one of the strongest Good Samaritan laws in the country in place to protect both the person who is experiencing an overdose, and those providing aid, from arrest and legal prosecution for most crimes, including drug crimes. Learn more about Maine’s Good Samaritan Law.
Reducing Stigma
- Mainers across the state are impacted by substance use. Substance use disorder is a chronic condition, like diabetes, depression, or heart disease. It changes the way your brain works, making it very difficult to stop using substances. If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use, support is available. Learn more at KnowYourOptions.ME.
- Stigma is a barrier to people staying safe and getting support. Stigma can be carried out in big and small ways through our words and actions, and it makes it harder to access effective tools and solutions like naloxone, medication-assisted treatment, and sterile supplies. Learn more about substance use stigma and how you can fight it.
Harm Reduction, Safer Drug Use, Naloxone
- Harm reduction saves lives every day. Substance use disorder is a chronic condition that changes the way your brain works, making it very difficult to stop using substances. Every person’s path is unique, and every person’s life is worth it. Everyone deserves to stay safe and take care of themselves, whether they use substances or not. Learn more about safer substance use practices here.
- Syringe service programs (SSPs, also previously known as “needle exchanges”) increase the likelihood that people will enter treatment and stop using substances, along with reducing infections such as HIV and hepatitis C.
- In Maine in 2022, over 2,250 reported overdoses were reversed by community members with naloxone. Naloxone is an easy-to-use and life-saving medication that quickly reverses an opioid overdose to prevent unnecessary deaths. Every person’s life is worth it, and everyone should have naloxone on hand. Learn more and find naloxone here.
Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) or Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
- Medication-assisted recovery is valid recovery. FDA-approved medications like methadone and buprenorphine reduce overdose deaths, reduce the use of illicit substances, and let people maintain stable and healthy lives in long-term recovery.
- Everyone’s recovery is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all path. Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) is a gold standard of treatment. As one option, MOUD is effective in helping many people stay stable and healthy in long-term recovery.
Use the OPTIONS Campaign Hashtag on any post promoting the OPTIONS program, campaign, or KnowYourOptions.ME. Looking for OPTIONS campaign content? Search this hashtag on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to share campaign posts!
Secondary to the main campaign hashtag, use this on any post promoting the OPTIONS campaign and KnowYourOptions.ME. This hashtag should be used to compliment the #OPTIONSME hashtag, and not used alone as it is not campaign-specific.
Secondary to the main campaign hashtag, use this on any post promoting the OPTIONS campaign and KnowYourOptions.ME. This hashtag should be used to compliment the #OPTIONSME hashtag, and not used alone as it is not campaign-specific.
Add this hashtag to any post about how to access, use or carry naloxone.
Add this hashtag to any post about Maine’s Good Samaritan Law.
Use optimistic, high-quality images – Photos and graphics used in messages can shape the narrative of substance use. Images should focus on positivity, social connectivity, and show people enjoying life. Positive images can help refocus and encourage recovery for people to seek help. You should always include high quality, appropriate images in your social media posts. Images formatted as a PNG file type display the best on desktop and mobile devices. Never use graphic or violent images or stock photos of substance use in your social media posts.
Use correct terminology – It is important to use person-first language when discussing substance use or misuse to reduce stigma and show respect for people who use drugs. Learn more about how words matter when we discuss substance use.
Connect people to the OPTIONS website – The OPTIONS website is a central location where people can get in touch with their local Liaison, search for resources and support, learn about harm reduction, stigma, naloxone, Maine’s Good Samaritan Law, and other opioid-related topics. When sharing information on social media for easy access, link the appropriate page to the site as a resource. Other websites of interest include mainedrugdata.org and getmainenaloxone.org.
Accurately depict your community – Make sure your images and language choices accurately depict the cultures represented in your community to ensure that your messages are reaching across all populations.
Write clear and concise messages – It is important to remember that every person seeing your content has a different vocabulary base. It is generally best practice for all online content to be as short and concise as possible to boost your content readability while also getting your message across accurately.
Use reputable sources – All articles, materials, and images should be shared from reputable, fact-based sources like the OPTIONS website. All direct quotes used should be properly quoted and cited. A checklist of tips can help you evaluate the accuracy of information.