Aroostook Mental Health Services, Inc., in collaboration with UR Medicine Recovery Center of Excellence, is excited to present the “Community Conversations on Opioid Use Disorder & Train the Trainer Workshops.” This two-part workshop aims to reduce the stigma surrounding substance use disorder in rural communities, addressing a significant barrier to recovery by improving access to support and treatment. Participants who complete an evaluation after each session will have an opportunity to win one of six $50 Amazon gift cards.
“The goal of the workshops is to increase awareness, empower facilitators, and strengthen communities,” said Julia Macek, AMHC program director of behavioral health and integration. “Whether you are a healthcare provider, first responder, or someone with lived experience, this event will provide the skills and knowledge needed to challenge stigma and support recovery. By participating, you will join a movement dedicated to creating more inclusive, compassionate communities where everyone can recover and thrive.”
Workshops will be Tuesday, October 15 at the Houlton Regional Hospital Conference Room at 20 Hartford Street; Wednesday, October 16 at the University at Fort Kent Nadeau Teleconference Room at 23 University Drive; and Thursday, October 17 at the Northern Maine Community College Edmunds Conference Center at 33 Edgemont Drive in Presque Isle.
Part One: Community Conversations on Opioid Use Disorder 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Participants will engage in discussions that go beyond traditional academic approaches, bringing the issue of SUD to life through portraits and videos of individuals who have experienced it firsthand. The workshop offers a space for attendees to examine their beliefs about stigma, explore how we support people with SUD and their families, and collaborate on ways to reduce stigma within our communities.
Part Two: Train the Trainer* 1–5 p.m.
In this 4-hour training session, participants will immerse themselves in the Community Conversations on Opioid Disorder curriculum, honing their facilitation skills and learning how to deliver the workshop effectively in their communities.
*You must attend Part One: Community Conversations on Opioid Use Disorder in order to participate in Part Two: Train the Trainer.
For more information and to register, please visit https://www.amhc.org/news/conversations.