Trainings/Workshops: Community Members

05.11.25 07:21 AM - Comment(s) - By Annastasia Rose Beal

Trainings & Workshops for Community Members
For promoters, venue owners, and festival operators integrating harm reduction into event planning and operations.

Harm reduction isn’t just for professionals — it’s for everyone who wants to make their community safer, more connected, and more compassionate. These trainings are designed for residents, business owners, civic leaders, neighborhood associations, and community organizations who regularly engage with people affected by substance use or homelessness.

By understanding overdose prevention, naloxone use, and the principles of harm reduction, community members can save lives and reduce stigma right where they live and work. Whether you’re a business owner who wants to support safety on your property, a concerned neighbor seeking solutions, or part of a local coalition, these sessions empower everyday people to take meaningful action.

Each training focuses on practical, real-world tools: recognizing an overdose, having supportive conversations, linking individuals to local resources, and building stronger partnerships between residents, service providers, and public safety teams. All sessions can be adapted for neighborhood meetings, community forums, business improvement districts, or faith-based settings.

Available Trainings & Workshops:

Harm Reduction & Overdose Response 101

Overview: A foundational session introducing harm reduction principles, overdose prevention strategies, and how community members can respond effectively and compassionately.
Suggested Duration: 45 to 60 minutes
Includes:

What harm reduction is (and isn’t)
Recognizing overdose signs and understanding risk factors
How naloxone works and where to access it
Reducing stigma and supporting recovery in community spaces
Local resource overview and quick-response action steps

What to Do if You Witness an Overdose

Overview: Hands-on training focused entirely on how to recognize, respond to, and report an overdose safely, with clear steps for both lay responders and business owners.
Suggested Duration: 30 minutes
Includes:

How to assess responsiveness and breathing
Proper naloxone administration (demo or practice if applicable)
Calling 9-1-1 and Good Samaritan Law protections
Aftercare: recovery position, monitoring, and reporting reversals
How to restock naloxone and support follow-up care

Naloxone and Community Empowerment

Overview: Focuses on how widespread naloxone access can transform community safety and how individuals, businesses, and organizations can help expand local distribution.
Suggested Duration: 30 minutes
Includes:

Overview of naloxone access laws and community programs
How to maintain and distribute naloxone kits responsibly (ex. Narcan®, KLOXXADO®, REVIVE!®)
Building community networks for overdose prevention
Encouraging bystander engagement and leadership
Case examples of successful community naloxone initiatives

De-Stigmatizing Substance Use in Our Neighborhoods

Overview: Examines how stigma influences public perception, policy, and safety — and provides tools to build compassion-centered communication in local settings.
Suggested Duration: 30 to 45 minutes
Includes:

Understanding stigma and its impact on safety and recovery
Shifting from judgment to curiosity and care
Language matters: person-first and trauma-informed phrasing
How stigma reduction improves neighborhood well-being
Guided dialogue and real-world communication exercises

Partnering with Harm Reduction Programs

Overview: Helps communities collaborate with local harm reduction providers to create coordinated responses and resource-sharing opportunities.
Suggested Duration: 30 minutes
Includes:

Overview of local harm reduction and outreach programs
How to connect residents and businesses with available services
Building cooperative partnerships between residents, service providers, and law enforcement
Strategies for referral, communication, and information exchange
Example partnerships and success stories

Building Safer Public Spaces Through Collaboration

Overview: Focuses on collective action — uniting residents, businesses, and local agencies to prevent harm, promote dignity, and enhance neighborhood safety.
Suggested Duration: 30 minutes
Includes:

Designing safer environments through harm reduction principles
Collaborative problem-solving between communities and service providers
Balancing safety, compassion, and visibility in shared spaces
Building local harm reduction task forces or safety coalitions
Tools for sustaining communication and evaluating outcomes

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