The first phase of action for the WECOS-LC was to conduct a scan of other community drug strategies (CDS), including both poly-substance and opioid-specific strategies.  Common approaches that were considered and incorporated into the WECOS include: 

• Four pillar approach: 1) Prevention, (2) Treatment, (3) Enforcement, and (4) Harm reduction.
• Coordinated and comprehensive response: A response that balances public health with public safety.
• Leadership structure: To provide sustainability, coordination, evaluation, and oversight of projects.
• Front line workers and those with lived experience: By including these groups in the development process we will learn about and from groups which are at high risk of addiction and overdose.
• Collective impact framework: Collective impact theory is based on the idea that complex social issues are best addressed when different sectors of a community work together.
• Communication: Consistent communication is needed with the broader community about opioid use and overdose prevention, and among working groups.
• Evidence-based activities: Many ideas may come from activities that are part of developing a strategy (e.g., community consultations), but they must be backed by an evidence base to be part of the final strategy.
• Support of the municipality: Municipal or regional council endorsement of a CDS can be helpful to moving activities forward and championing the strategy at several levels.