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The opioid crisis has become a complex and multifaceted societal challenge. For Black and Latinx individuals, access and engagement in effective treatment remains a high concern. Developed as the result of a collaborative culturally-responsive initiative, the Imani Breakthrough program has been hosted by Black and Latinx churches. It has helped participants improve their lives, feel valued by society, connect with others, and have positive relationships with their loved ones and community. This brief report highlights preliminary findings which demonstrate the strength of this model of care involving community churches, highlighting the need/potential for continued collaboration efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We've titled this editorial: "What role will social work have played in the opioid epidemic?." This is meant to give pause, to reflect on the extent to which social work has helped – and at times harmed – those impacted by opioid use and misuse thus far, and to give consideration as to how the profession will aid going forward. We present the articles in this special issue in this spirit. In this special issue, you will find that social workers are making the connections necessary to engage communities and municipalities in ending the opioid crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]