This course provides an overview of opioid use disorder and the use of harm reduction strategies as a public health approach to mitigate the risk and stigma associated with opioid use. This training is brought to you by the Western Region Public Health Training Center in collaboration with Sonoran Prevention Works, a comprehensive harm reduction organization based in Arizona that combines direct service, legislative advocacy, and capacity building to create stronger, healthier communities for people made vulnerable by substance use. 

This course consists of 5 modules that provide an overview of opioid use disorder and the use of harm reduction strategies to mitigate the risk and stigma associated with opioid use.

Module 1: Introduction to Opioid Use Disorder

We will explain opioid use disorder in the context of the social-ecological model, describe the social determinants of health and mental health factors that influence opioid use disorder, and describe the root causes of the current opioid crisis in the United States.

Module 2: Principles of Harm Reduction

We will define harm reduction, give examples of harm reduction strategies specific to opioid use, and describe the role stigma plays in opioid use.

Module 3: Understanding Behavior Change

We will discuss systemic barriers encountered by people who use drugs, list and define the components of the stages of change model, and apply the stages of change model to real-life scenarios.

Module 4: Opioid Overdose - Prevention and Response

We will describe opioids, including opiates, and note typical reasons for their use, describe the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose and appropriate overdose response, list common myths associated with opioid overdoses, and describe the physiological mechanism of action of Naloxone/Narcan.

Module 5: Harm Reduction Implementation

We will explain the link between harm reduction strategies and the transmission of infections. We will also share examples of proven harm reduction strategies implemented in community-based settings.   

Note: After completing the training presentation, you must complete a short quiz and feedback evaluation to receive a certificate of completion.

Tier(s) and Competency Domain(s): 

Tier 1 - 
  • Describes factors affecting the health of a community 9e.g., equity, income, education, environment). 
  • Communicates information to influence behavior and improve health (e.g., uses social marketing methods, considers behavioral theories such as the Health Belief Model or Stages of Change Model).
  • Suggests relationships that may be needed to improve health in a community.
  • Provides input for developing, implementing, evaluating, and improving policies, programs, and services. 
Tier 2 -
  • Suggests relationships that may be needed to improve health in a community.
  • Recommends policies, programs, and services for implementation. 

Course Duration: Approximately 1 hour

Continuing Education Information: 1.0 CECH for CHES

CHES Provider number: 99036

Disclosures:  The planners, reviewers, and authors have no declared conflicts of interest

Format: Web-based, Self-study

Created/Updated: January 2021

Author: WRPHTC


Skill Level: Beginner
CHES Event ID#: SS99036_HRPHAOD
Category 1 Credits: 1.0
Continuing Competency Credits: 1.0
Advanced Credits: 0
Level 1: No
Level 2: No
Level 3: No