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Podcast Launched on Cutting-Edge Substance Use Disorder Programs

Tune in to Innovation in Action: Building Stronger Communities 

Sponsored by ORN partner organization the Association for Multidisciplinary Education and Research in Substance use and Addiction (AMERSA)

A new ORN podcast is highlighting cutting-edge programs and collaborative efforts supporting individuals and communities affected by substance use disorders. Featuring multidisciplinary teams, the podcast explores innovative solutions with the potential to transform care and foster stronger, healthier communities.

The first episode of the series is now live! All episodes will feature a follow-up live discussion, a week after releasing, highlighting an innovative program or collaboration featured in Innovation in Action: Building Stronger Communities. Each discussion will focus on developing practical strategies for adapting and implementing the discussed initiatives in communities to expand access to substance use care and improve health outcomes. Listen here.

Supporting Organizations Working with Justice-Involved Individuals with Project SUCCEED 

Sponsored by ORN partner organization Cicatelli Associate Inc. (CAI)

CAI is providing trainings on the chronic nature of substance use disorders and building self-management skills of justice-involved individuals to prevent and mitigate substance use disorders. The national SUCCEED initiative (Substance Use as a Chronic Condition: Engagement and Education) supports organizations in equipping justice-involved individuals with the tools, support and connections needed to self-manage a lifelong chronic condition. The SUCCEED model begins with group-based training during incarceration or post-release and continues with individualized case management and coaching—reinforcing skills to prevent or manage recurrence, reduce recidivism, and prevent deaths from overdose. Since November 2021, participating community-based organizations (CBOs) have served over 300 clients returning to their communities. Now, CAI is recruiting more agencies for the next SUCCEED cohort, launching in October 2025. To learn more, visit CAI’s website or contact Project Director Mikayla Bobrow at mbobrow@caiglobal.org. 

New Learning Collaborative: Sustainability for Rural Peer/Recovery Organizations

Sponsored by ORN partner organization C4 Innovations

Peer-Run Organizations (PROs) have emerged as a critical component of a comprehensive, community-based behavioral health approach. In this free learning collaborative, trainers from C4 Innovations will discuss strengthening the mission and infrastructure of PROs through 1) local asset mapping and resource collaboration, 2) education of community partners about recovery and the value of recovery support, 3) leadership development, and 4) funding and financing opportunities. Facilitators will focus on unique aspects of leading PROs in rural communities including resources, trust-building, privacy concerns and sparse provider networks. Note limited capacity for these trainings taking place throughout August. The sessions are for leadership staff from rural community-based peer-run and/or recovery-community organizations ONLY who can attend ALL sessions. Share interest.

Upcoming ORN-Funded Webinars

The following trainings are sponsored by ORN partner organizations. They are free and available to all. Share these resources with your colleagues. A calendar of upcoming trainings can be found here. Follow us on LinkedIn for news in your feed.

Office Hours: Stimulant Focus

Thursday July 17, 2025 5:00 - 6:00 PM ET

Sponsor: Grayken Center for Addiction TTA at the Boston Medical Center 

Monthly, virtual drop-in Office Hours are 1 hour-long online open forum sessions where clinical providers and staff supporting those with substance use disorders can drop in anytime with addiction and stimulant-related questions or brief de-identified challenging cases for discussion. Each session is moderated by two clinical educators, and the focus will be on stimulants (other off-topic questions are still welcome!). Register here.

Improving Coordination of Care for Adolescents with OUD and Mental Health Disorders

Sponsor: American Academy of Pediatrics

Friday July 18, 2025 12:00 - 1:00 PM ET

This webinar is part of the Enhancing Pediatric Care Through Innovative Practices to Treat Opioid Use Disorders Among Adolescents series. It will focus on enhancing the integration of services for adolescents and young adults across systems of care, with a particular emphasis on opioid use and mental health among adolescents. Participants will learn about best practices for coordinated care, including mental health integration. Register here.

The Impact of Stigma on Access to Services

Sponsor: Faces and Voices of Recovery

Wednesday July 23, 2025 2:00 - 3:00 PM ET

The Impact of Stigma on Access to Services training examines how stigma—public, self and structural—creates barriers for people with substance use disorders in accessing care and recovery support. Participants will explore the role of language, policy and provider attitudes in reinforcing or reducing stigma, and gain practical tools to shift narratives, advocate for change, and center lived experience. Designed for providers, peers and advocates, the session underscores that addressing stigma isn’t optional—it’s a critical part of an effective public health response. Register here.

Mindfulness Monday Webinar Series - Practices to Promote Mental Well-Being and Resilience

Sponsor: Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education

Monday July 28, 2025 2:00 - 2:30 PM ET

Mindfulness is an evidenced-based way to effectively decrease stress and increase personal well-being and resilience. This micro (30-minute) bi-weekly webinar is dedicated to fostering mindfulness and self-care for those working in or supporting individuals in the addictions, mental and behavioral health space. Register here.

Tackling Stigma and Providing Quality Care Around Substance Use Among Older Adults with HIV

Sponsor: National Alliance for HIV Education and Workforce Development (NAHEWD)

Friday August 1, 2025 12:00 - 1:00 PM ET

This webinar is part of NAHEWD's national series Bridging HIV and SUD: Innovations in the Field. The series is highlighting various innovative models and approaches to treating substance use disorder (SUD) in people at risk for and living with HIV. This presentation explores substance use among older adults living with HIV, emphasizing the unique risk factors they face and the impact of stigma on care. It introduces practical tools such as validated screeners, motivational interviewing, and harm reduction strategies to foster compassionate, person-centered care. Through a case study and evidence-based approaches, participants learn how to build trust, reduce substance-related harms, and support long-term wellness in this vulnerable population. Register here.

More Resources and Training Opportunities

The trainings listed below are not sponsored by ORN, but available through SAMHSA and other SAMHSA-funded Technical Assistance centers and/or recommended by ORN Consultants. Check out these free educational opportunities!

SAMHSA Program to Advance Recovery Knowledge (SPARK) Webinar Series

Join the SPARK this summer for a webinar series for behavioral health professionals and providers working in recovery and peer-run organizations

Financing Models and Federal Resources for Enhancing and Sustaining Peer-Run and Recovery Organizations

Thursday July 24, 2025 2:00 - 3:30 PM ET

This webinar will provide practical strategies for implementing braided funding and innovative payment models to support peer-run organizations. Expert panelists will discuss the benefits and challenges of value-based payment and braided funding, highlighting the unique opportunities for peer-run community organizations to leverage these models to provide more comprehensive and coordinated care. The event will equip attendees with the knowledge and resources to secure sustainable funding and improve the delivery of peer recovery support and crisis respite services. Register here.

Employment Supports: Advancing Opportunities for Recovery

Thursday July 31, 2025 2:00 - 3:30 PM ET

This webinar will explore the critical role of employment in the recovery journey for persons with lived and living experience receiving behavioral health services. Participants will learn about effective strategies and evidence-based practices for supporting individuals in securing and maintaining meaningful employment, including individualized career planning and skill-building, workplace accommodations, therapeutic interventions, peer support, and community partnerships. Participants will gain actionable tools to enhance employment support services, ultimately empowering individuals to increase their recovery capital, achieve financial stability, promote social connectedness, and foster long-term recovery. Register here.

orn@aaap.org

OpioidResponseNetwork.org

Funding for this initiative was made possible (in part) by grant no. 1H79TI088037 from SAMHSA. The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.