Welcome to REAL Mentors are Prevention: How Mentoring Can Prevent Opioid Misuse series!

Are you ready to make a real difference in the fight against the opioid epidemic? Join us for our engaging series for mentors, mentees, and mentoring service providers. We will learn how to promote community wellness and prevent opioid misuse through mentoring.

Cohorts
Join Cohort A and meet every second Monday from February 13th to June 12th. Can't make it? No problem! Cohort B covers the same material and meets weekly on Tuesdays starting on March 7th. If you've missed a prior session, you are still welcome to join at any point in the series.

SESSIONS
Session 1:
Febuary 13, 2023
We kick our series off by discussing the role mentors can play in preventing youth substance use. We will cover some of the risk and protective factors involved with a specific focus on opioid use. You will also learn about how the opioid epidemic started, the differences between prescription and non-prescription use, and their impact on the brain.

Session 2:
March 13, 2023
In Session 2, we will dive deeper into the issue of how opioid misuse can lead to addiction. You will hear real-life stories from people impacted by opioid misuse. We will begin a collective project to create a Remembrance Quilt for those in CT who lost their lives to overdose in 2022.

Session 3:
April 10, 2023
In Session 3, we will dive deeper into the current Opioid Epidemic and explore how youth obtain opioids. We will critically examine the role of social media and the influence of friends and family. You will also learn about the dangers of counterfeit pills and how they contribute to the rise in youth overdoses.

Session 4:
May 8, 2023
Learn about effective treatment options during session 4. We will discuss how stigma can sometimes be a barrier to seeking treatment and how families and communities can support those seeking help. Finally, we will discuss the signs and symptoms of opioid misuse and where to turn if you are worried about a loved one. We will discuss how to store and dispose of medication to prevent misuse properly.

Session 5:
June 12, 2023
In the final session of the series, we will focus on activities that mentors and mentees can do moving forward to continue promoting community wellness and preventing opioid misuse. Participants will have the opportunity to share their ideas and learn from one another. Additionally, certificates will be given to participants to recognize their commitment to becoming engaged prevention advocates in their communities. Join us to end the series positively and equip yourself with the tools to make a real difference in the fight against the opioid epidemic.

Register for Cohort A Here!