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Harm Reduction: A Public Health Approach to Opioid Use Disorder

This course provides an overview of opioid use disorder and the use of harm reduction strategies as a public health approach to mitigate the risk and stigma associated with opioid use. This training is brought to you by the Western Region Public Health Training Center in collaboration with Sonoran Prevention Works, a comprehensive harm reduction organization based in Arizona that combines direct service, legislative advocacy, and capacity building to create stronger, healthier communities for people made vulnerable by substance use. 

This course consists of 5 modules that provide an overview of opioid use disorder and the use of harm reduction strategies to mitigate the risk and stigma associated with opioid use.

Module 1: Introduction to Opioid Use Disorder

We will explain opioid use disorder in the context of the social-ecological model, describe the social determinants of health and mental health factors that influence opioid use disorder, and describe the root causes of the current opioid crisis in the United States.

Module 2: Principles of Harm Reduction

We will define harm reduction, give examples of harm reduction strategies specific to opioid use, and describe the role stigma plays in opioid use.

Module 3: Understanding Behavior Change

We will discuss systemic barriers encountered by people who use drugs, list and define the components of the stages of change model, and apply the stages of change model to real-life scenarios.

Module 4: Opioid Overdose - Prevention and Response

We will describe opioids, including opiates, and note typical reasons for their use, describe the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose and appropriate overdose response, list common myths associated with opioid overdoses, and describe the physiological mechanism of action of Naloxone/Narcan.

Module 5: Harm Reduction Implementation

We will explain the link between harm reduction strategies and the transmission of infections. We will also share examples of proven harm reduction strategies implemented in community-based settings.   

Note: After completing the training presentation, you must complete a short quiz and feedback evaluation to receive a certificate of completion.

Course Duration: Approximately 1 hour

Continuing Education Information: 1.0 Category 1 CHES Credits, 1.0 Continuing Competency Credits

CHES Provider number: 99036

Disclosures:  The planners, reviewers, and authors have no declared conflicts of interest

Format: Web-based, Self-study

Created/Updated: January 2021

Author: WRPHTC


Native Hawaiian Health and Wellbeing: Progress and Recommendations

Papa Ola Lokahi has completed the update of the 1985 E Ola Mau (EOM) health needs assessment and is calling it E Ola Mau a Mau. The original EOM report is the basis for the Native Hawaiian Health Care Act which was passed by Congress in 1988. Papa Ola Lokahi and the Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems were established as a result and they continue to work to improve the health and well-being of the Native Hawaiian people. The link to key references is found at www.papaolalokahi.org

Guest Speaker:  Sheri Daniels, EdD, CSAS, Executive Director of Papa Ola Lokahi

Speaker Bio:

Dr. Sheri Daniels was appointed in April 2016 as Executive Director of Papa Ola Lōkahi (POL), the organization charged by the United States Congress with administrative oversight of the Native Hawaiian Health Care Improvement Act [Public Law 102-396]. In this role, she leads efforts in developing policy strategies related to health improvement for Native Hawaiians and their families at the local, state and federal level. Dr. Daniels has also played a pivotal role in the development of internal policies, related to the accountability of the Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems to their individual island communities. She is also the chairperson of Nā Limahana o Lonopūhā, the Native Hawaiian Health Consortium.

Continuing Education Information: 1.5 CHES

Learning Outcomes:

  1. Review the findings and outcomes of the 2018 E Ola Mau a Mau report.
  2. Summarize progress made since 1985 in improving the Native Hawaiian Health.
  3. Discuss the recommendations and strategies to improve Native Hawaiian health and well-being (Mauli Ola)

Antimicrobial Stewardship for Skilled Nursing Facilities in Nevada

Antimicrobial resistance is a growing problem worldwide. National and international organizations have recognized this growing problem and have published guidelines and recommendations to combat it. Despite the recognition of the merits and benefits of Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASPs), only 48% of all US hospitals currently have an ASP in place. Although antimicrobial resistance is a worldwide concern, it is first and foremost a local problem. Health care facilities, such as skilled-nursing and long-term acute care facilities are the sites that see multi-, extremely-, and sometimes pan-resistant bacteria and therefore carry a high responsibility for proper stewardship of our antimicrobial resources. This educational initiative is designed to overcome and address the barriers to facilitate practical implementation of ASPs in the health care setting.

Continuing Education Information: none available

Learning Objectives:

Learners will develop an understanding of antibiotic resistance and antimicrobial stewardship at a local and national level. Learners will also understand the CDC Core Elements of Antimicrobial Stewardship and how to implement it within Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs). Learners will be able to: 

Module 1:

Understand what antibiotic resistance is, and how it has come about.

Understand numbers and figures from various literature sources regarding antibiotic resistance.

Become aware of antibiotic-resistant threats.

Observe what issues have arisen in both Nevada and on the global level due to antibiotic resistance.

Module 2:

Understand antibiotic use in Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs), and the facts, pros, and cons about antibiotic use in the SNF environment. 

Understand the impact of C. difficile infection within the SNFs.

Understand the CDC Core Elements of Antimicrobial Stewardship and how to implement them within the SNF environment. 

Target Audience: Health Systems, Skilled Nursing Facilities, Physicians, Pharmacists, Infectious Disease Health Professionals, Health Educators

Course Duration: 88 minutes (44-minutes per module series)

Disclosures:  James Wilson, MD has declared a financial relationship with M2 Medical Intelligence. Funding for this project was provided by the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health.

Format: Web-based, Self-study

Created/Updated: February 2019

Author: WRPHTC

Presenter: James Wilson, M.D. 


Public Health Campaigns and Movements for a Just Society

The Nevada Public Health Training Center is pleased to share a recording of the February 2019 Public Health ECHO presented by Sari Bilick. This webinar will discuss the work of Human Impact Partners (HIP) and their theory of change which centers power and building power to create health for all. We will look at two initiatives of HIP — the Health Instead of Punishment Program and Public Health Awakened. These initiatives are calling on the field of public health to look beyond traditional health indicators and focus on health equity and building power while aligning ourselves with social justice movements.

Learning Objectives:

  • Introduce Human Impact Partners and their theory of change
  • Discuss the health impacts of immigration policies
  • Identify Public Health Actions for Immigration Rights (PHAIR) for public health departments

Duration: 1 hour

Format: Web-based Training, Self-Study

Author(s) and Presenter(s): Sari Bilick


Asthma 101 for Schools

Asthma is a common chronic disease that affects up to up 20% of children in the United States, depending on geographic region. Caregivers of children, including school staff, should be have a basic understanding of what asthma is, what asthma triggers are, and a general knowledge of its management.  This e-learning course provides training for school personnel who may interact with children with asthma.


Learning Objectives:

This training has been developed to provide a basic overview of asthma and its management.  After completing the course, learners will be able to:

  • Understand the basic pathophysiology of asthma and identify potential asthma triggers.
  • Explain the difference between quick relief medications (e.g., albuterol) versus chronic controller medications in the management of asthma.
  • Describe how asthma control can be measured or monitored.
  • Understand the purpose of an asthma action plan.
  • Identify indicators of good asthma control.
  • Recognize signs and symptoms of acute asthma and describe basic management.

Immunization: Surround our Babies with Vaccinated Families

Dr. Melinda Wharton, deputy director of the National Center for Immunizations and Respiratory Diseases at the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention, speaks to students and faculty at the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health during National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) in 2011.

Learning Outcomes:

Learners will develop an understanding of a strategy used to protect young persons from certain diseases by vaccinating people who come into contact with the child.

Performance Goals:

  • Identify diseases from which we protect young children by vaccinating adults and others around them ("cocooning")
  • Describe the rationale for the cocooning strategy
  • Describe the recent epidemiology of pertussis

Target Audience: All Allied Health Professionals, Epidemiologists/ Surveillance Staff, Educators/ Trainers, Physicians and Other Clinicians, Healthcare

Duration: ~ 1 hour

Continuing Education Information: None available

Format: Web-based, Self-Study

Created/ Updated: 2/05/2013

Author(s) and Presenter(s): Dr. Melinda Wharton, M.D., M.P.H.

Reframing Disability: Implications for Creating Accessible and Inclusive Communities

This training session will analyze how we commonly frame disability in society and examine how these frames influence professional practice. We will discuss language, media and design and the power of each to shape the disability experience. By analyzing existing systems, we will discuss concepts of universal design and identify ways for participants to increase access by removing the barriers that exclude individuals from participation. Finally, we will review the resources available on campus to faculty, staff and students through the Disability Resource Center. The presenter will also facilitate a question and answer period directly following the presentation.

Amanda Kraus, Ph. D., serves as Assistant Director and Director of the Disabled Veterans Reintegration and Education Project at the University of Arizona Disability Resource Center. Dr. Kraus is also adjunct faculty in the Center for the Study of Higher Education, where she instructs graduate courses on Student Development, Student Services, and Disability in Higher Education. Her research focuses on the disability identity in a context of higher education, and the experience of disability for student veterans. Dr. Kraus has presented at numerous national conferences and will be published in New Directions for Student Services (spring/summer 2012) and the Handbook on Veterans in Higher Education (fall 2012).

Learning Outcomes:

  • Frame disability in society and examine how these frames influence professional practice
  • Identify language, media and design and the power of each to shape the disability experience
  • Identify concepts of universal design
  • Identify ways for participants to increase access by removing the barriers that exclude individuals from participation
  • Identify the resources available on campus to faculty, staff, and students through the Disability Resource Center

Target Audience: General Public Health Staff

Duration: ~ 1 hour

Continuing Education Information: None available

Format: Web-based, Self-Study

Created/ Updated: 02/05/2013

Author(s) and Presenter(s): Dr. Amanda Krause, PhD and Dr. David Dawley, MPH

Active Learning Strategies Using Video

This training is designed to help health educators support learners put information they have learned into practice.  We explain differences between teaching with video alone versus using active learning strategies with videos.  Sample activities are demonstrated with existing videos produced by the WRPHTC on “preparing healthy foods on a budget.”  The videos are available for use in English and Spanish as a resource for this training.  Activities presented are also customizable for use with any videos you may be interested in using as part of group education.  An online forum for community sharing is an optional component to this training.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Explain the ways that videos and interpersonal interaction influence learning.
  • Describe two active learning strategies to use when teaching with video.

Target Audience:

Community Health Workers, Registered Dietitians, Public Health Nurses, and other health professionals leading group education.

Duration:  approx 30 min

Continuing Education Information: 0.5 CECH for CHES

CHES Provider number:  99036

Disclosures:  The planners, reviewers, and authors have no declared conflicts of interest

Format:  web-based, self-study

Created:  10/2018

Authors:  Kathy Spicer, EdD; Allison Root, MS, RD  



Public Health Core Competencies (Pima County)

This training introduces the public health competencies that were designed by the Council on Linkages and customized by the Pima County Health Department. Specifically, this training acquaints you with the competencies so you can begin to use them for career development.

Learning Objective

At the end of this training, you will be able to identify the domains associated with the public health competencies.

Continuing Education:  1.0 Category 1 CHES Credit (no continuing competency credit)

Hawai’i Early Learning Programs for Children: Creating the System Our Children and Families Deserve

A strong early learning system is a wise public investment, returning $3-$8 in long-term benefits for every dollar spent.  High quality childcare and preschool programs enhance school readiness, reduce achievement gaps between privileged and disadvantaged children, and can even have lasting effects on learning, behavior, and health in adulthood.  Reliable, affordable childcare is also a necessity for working parents.  Results of a recent statewide assessment of availability, cost, and quality identified bright spots as well as critical needs in our early learning landscape.  Come and learn about hallmarks of quality programs, which of our communities are childcare deserts, and resources for families.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Review the ways in which high-quality early learning programs promote child and family wellbeing.
  • Discuss the current state of Hawai'i's early learning system for children age 0-5.
  • Share stories about innovative programs in Hawaii and resources to help families locate and pay for preschool and childcare.

Target Audience: Allied Health Professionals, General Public Health Staff, Healthcare

Duration: ~ 1.5 hours

Continuing Education Information: 1.5 CHES

Format: Web-based, Self Study

Original Webinar Recorded: October 19, 2018

Author(s) and Presenter(s): Barbara DeBaryshe, PhD

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