HotSpot studies enable NDEWS staff to launch rapid, limited investigations of an important drug outbreak in a specific locality. A typical HotSpot study includes a 3–5-day site visit by NDEWS scientists to gather additional data and descriptive information that can be used to help interpret the information collected and analyzed by NDEWS staff prior to the site visit. Potential methodologies include focus groups, interviews with users and other knowledgeable informants, and urinalyses.

If you think you're experiencing a HotSpot outbreak in your location, let NDEWS know.