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Equal Justice Works and the Foundation for Opioid Response Efforts Recognized by Fast Company for Innovative Legal Response to the Opioid Crisis
/ Press Release
Opioid Crisis Response Program helps remove legal barriers to recovery, housing, employment, and economic stability
Washington D.C., June 16, 2026 – Equal Justice Works and the Foundation for Opioid Response Efforts (FORE) have been recognized by Fast Company’s 2026 World Changing Ideas Awards for the Opioid Crisis Response Program, a fellowship initiative that places public interest lawyers in communities affected by opioid use disorder to help people overcome legal barriers to recovery, housing, employment, public benefits, and family stability.
This annual recognition honors bold and transformative efforts that tackle the world’s most pressing issues– from fresh sustainability initiatives and cutting-edge AI developments to ambitious pursuits of social equity that are helping mold the world.
Launched in September 2024, the Opioid Crisis Response Program embeds attorneys in communities hardest hit by the opioid epidemic to address legal barriers that can undermine treatment and long-term stability. In its first year, attorney Fellows helped more than 1,000 individuals and family members secure housing, clear criminal records, and access opportunities for economic stability. Fellows also trained health care providers to identify legal needs and reached more than 2,500 stakeholders through community education and outreach efforts.
Opioid addiction and overdose remain a nationwide public health emergency affecting more than 11 million Americans across nearly every community in the United States. In response to this ongoing crisis, the Opioid Crisis Response Program mobilizes attorney Fellows to support individuals impacted by the legal consequences of opioid use disorder. By embedding lawyers directly in affected communities, the program helps remove barriers to housing, employment, and public benefits, promoting stability and pathways to recovery.
“The opioid crisis is often treated only as a medical issue, but for many people, recovery also depends on whether they can stay housed, keep a job, access benefits, and stabilize their family,” said Verna Williams, CEO of Equal Justice Works. “Through the Opioid Crisis Response Program, our Fellows are showing that legal aid is not separate from recovery. It is part of the pathway to recovery.
The opioid crisis is often treated only as a medical issue, but for many people, recovery also depends on whether they can stay housed, keep a job, access benefits, and stabilize their family. Through the Opioid Crisis Response Program, our Fellows are showing that legal aid is not separate from recovery. It is part of the pathway to recovery."
Verna Williams /
CEO of Equal Justice Works
For 40 years, Equal Justice Works has built pathways for lawyers to serve communities. This recognition shows how that model continues to evolve to meet urgent national challenges.
“Addressing the opioid crisis requires a multidisciplinary response, and legal assistance is an essential part of that work,” said Dr. Karen A. Scott, president of the Foundation for Opioid Response Efforts. “Through this partnership with Equal Justice Works, FORE is helping ensure that people and families affected by opioid use disorder can access the legal support they need to move toward recovery and long-term stability.”
This year’s awards, featured on fastcompany.com, highlight 191 outstanding projects across 14 categories. A panel of Fast Company editors and reporters evaluated more than 1,500 entries based on their impact, sustainability, design, creativity, scalability, and ability to improve society.
Fast Company’s Summer 2026 issue (on newsstands June 23) will feature select award winners working on solutions that include geothermal energy, privacy-first cell plans, municipal grocery stores, and more.
“The World Changing Ideas Awards are more than inspiration—they’re a measure of real-world impact,” says Fast Company editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan. “This year’s honorees are turning bold ideas into tangible solutions and addressing urgent global challenges with creativity and rigor.”
About Equal Justice Works
Equal Justice Works is the nation’s largest facilitator of opportunities in public interest law. Since 1986, the organization has created opportunities for law students and lawyers to expand access to justice and bring lasting change to underserved communities across the country. Equal Justice Works has mobilized more than 2,650 Fellows, of which more than 85 percent remain in public service. For more information, visit equaljusticeworks.org.
About Fast Company
Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with our sister publication Inc., and can be found online at www.fastcompany.com.