Training Requests

MDHHS Trainings

• Harm Reduction 101 (Feb. 22nd, 2021) - This training focuses on the evidence base of Harm Reduction and the need for, and history of it, in Michigan. This training also features a demonstration of safer substance use supplies.
• Syringe Service Program Implementation (Feb. 22nd, 2021) - The syringe service programs 101 training focuses on the specifics of implementing and operating a program in Michigan.

MDHHS / Vital Strategies Technical Assistance Webinar Series

MDHHS has partnered with Vital Strategies, a public health organization supporting technical assistance and capacity-building projects to reduce overdose deaths in Michigan, in hosting a series of monthly webinars offering virtual technical assistance for syringe service programs. If you are interested in learning more about SSP or in joining these webinars, email mdhhs-syringeaccess@michigan.gov You can find the recordings here:

• Feb 19th, 2020 - Peer Networks and Secondary Distribution - Sue Purchase

  • Sue Purchase has twenty plus years' experience in harm reduction--as it relates to drug use and the prevention of overdose, HIV, Hepatitis, and other blood-borne related illnesses. Her expertise encompasses strategic planning, capacity building, and organizational development as indicated by her accomplishments: she created the first comprehensive harm reduction program with a syringe exchange, Women With a Point-Access Works in Minneapolis, Minnesota; she was instrumental in the day to day operations of the first needle exchange program in Tacoma, Washington; she was the founding board chairperson of Project Safe in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and she established a syringe access program in the rural mountain area of Clear Creek County, Colorado. Sue spent time as an operations manager in North Carolina helping to develop and implement harm reduction programs before returning to her home state of Minnesota. She is currently building Harm Reduction Sisters (HRSs), a nonprofit dedicated to serving the needs of people using drugs in rural Northeastern MN. HRSs currently offers mobile syringe access and Narcan distribution throughout St. Louis and Carlton counties--the counties with the highest racial disparity of overdose and HIV/ HepC infection in the State.

• March 26, 2020 - Fundraising and Braided Funding Strategies - Laura Pegram   

  • (PowerPoint)

  • Laura Pegram directs NASTAD's Drug User Health program. She works across teams to ensure a drug user health perspective is incorporated into NASTAD's efforts and to improve health outcomes for people who use drugs. She, and her team, provide technical assistance to state health departments, community-based groups, and promote state and local reforms shown to improve drug user health. Laura has spent over the last decade working as a harm reduction service provider, consultant, and advocate in New Orleans, Colorado, Massachusetts, and North Carolina. Laura will discuss strategies for utilizing a variety of funding sources to braid together a full range of program services and building capacity and sustainability at syringe service programs.

• April 22, 2020 -Non-Injection and Non-Opioid Drug Use with Steve Alsum

  • (Resources: Zip File)

  • Steve Alsum has been with the Grand Rapids Red Project in varying capacities, including volunteer, board member, and Clean Works Program Manager, since 2007, and currently serves in the role of Executive Director. Steve has a special love for numbers, and using them in the service of social justice, drug policy reform, and access to basic healthcare.  Under Steve's leadership, Red Project has added numerous new components to their programming, including the Mobile Health Unit, rapid HIV and Hepatitis C testing, overdose prevention training with naloxone rescue kits, HIV linkage to care, case management, and support groups, and recovery coaching services. 

• May 27, 2020 -Training and Supporting Harm Reduction Staff