USU Extension has received a combination of grants to raise awareness of and provide knowledge about substance use disorder, opioid use disorder, and neonatal abstinence syndrome - disorders that affect all Utah communities, big and small. Through these grants, many USU Extension offices offer evidence-based harm reduction and educational training events, and information about prevention, treatment, and recovery resources. All information provided is based on current best practices and evidence-based research available through federal, state, and local agencies.
Custom Training
If you are interested in conducting a customized training for a large group, please contact Matt Huntington to discuss options available.
Live Training Events
Naloxone Training
Be prepared to administer naloxone if you suspect an opioid overdose. Complete the training and receive a free naloxone kit (valued at $75).
In-person, group training is available upon request.
Email If you are located within Salt Lake or Tooele County, contact Matt Huntington to schedule naloxone training for your group, or visit your local USU Extension office.
Virtual PEACE (Pain Education and Community Empathy)
Peer-led, PEACE can provide a community support group for those suffering with or caring for someone suffering with pain, either in-person, or virtually. Each session discusses tools to deal with pain and offers peer support.
Request Pain Education and Community Empathy Information For more information about becoming a PEACE facilitator or to request a series of PEACE classes for your group, contact Melissa Flint.
Become a Certified
Family Peer Support Specialist (FPSS)
Family Peer Support Specialists offer hope, guidance, advocacy, and camaraderie for parents and caregivers of children and youth receiving services from mental health, substance use, and related services systems, through face-to-face support groups, phone calls, or individual meetings. They bring expertise based on their own experience parenting a child or youth with social, emotional, behavioral, or substance use challenges, as well as specialized training, to support other parents and caregivers within a peer support framework that recognizes the power of mutuality and experiential understanding, education, information and peer support.
Request Pain Education and Community Empathy InformationRequest FPSS Training Information Utah's Family Peer Support training is currently provided through USU Salt Lake Health Extension. For information about the next session, please contact Amanda McDade.
On-Demand Training
Naloxone Training
Be prepared to administer naloxone if you suspect an opioid overdose. Complete the training and receive a free naloxone kit (valued at $75).
On-demand training coming soon. Please contact your local USU Extension office for live training opportunities.
Harm Reduction 101
Evidence-based best practices for harm and stigma reduction surrounding substance use disorder. Understanding what SUD/OUD is and how to support others experiencing the disorder can improve treatment and recovery outcomes and create healthier communities.
On-demand training coming soon.
Did you know the US maternal mortality rate has recently been on the rise? And neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) and a variety of other maternal-infant health concerns are increasing. While there are many possible contributors to these conditions, two primary concerns are mental health and substance misuse/overdose. Join us to learn more about NAS and the treatment options available for pregnant mothers who experience substance use disorder. By understanding the diagnosis and offering support, we can all contribute to positive outcomes for affected mothers and babies in our communities.
Featured Speaker:
Marcela Smid, MD, MS, MA
OB-GYN | Assistant Professor, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine