Programs to promote discussions related to prescription opioids are available for communities across South Dakota and North Dakota through “Strengthening the Heartland,” a collaborative project between SDSU Extension and NDSU Extension.
South Dakota State University associate professor and SDSU Extension 4-H youth development specialist Amber Letcher says “Strengthening the Heartland” offers free, hour-long facilitated presentations for youth and adult audiences. She says a program entitled, “This Is (Not) About Drugs,” is targeted to grades six through 12 and helps raise youth awareness of the risks of misusing prescription opioids, while encouraging them to seek alternatives to substances for dealing with stress.
Letcher says the “Opioid Public Health Crisis” presentation targets adults and discusses opioid misuse, risk factors and suggested prevention methods. The hour-long presentation is appropriate for community members and professionals.
In addition to the face-to-face presentations, free webinars on topics such as “Opioids 101,” “Fentanyl” and “Addiction and the Family” are available. Print resources are available upon request, including bi-quarterly newsletters and informational brochures.
Letcher says currently, 10 individuals from across South Dakota are trained to present the programs and more are needed. She says presenters complete online trainings and earn $100 per presentation.
For questions or to schedule a presentation in your community or school, contact Amber Letcher at amber.letcher@sdstate.edu or Nicole Schwing at nicole.schwing@sdstate.edu.
SDSU Extension and NDSU Extension collaboratively developed “Strengthening the Heartland” with grant support from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
