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Past Programming

Strengthening the Heartland Co-Director Amber Letcher on a laptop working

Over the past 4 years, our collaborative has hosted a number of high impact programming opportunities.

Graphic Map of Teen Programing for North and South Dakota

Teen Programming

The 1-hour, media-based presentation, “This is (Not) About Drugs (TINAD), was targeted toward youth in grades 6-12. The program helped youth raise awareness of the risks of misusing prescription opioids, and encouraged youth to seek alternatives to substances when dealing with stress. The presentation was a success in 58 communities, reaching youth in schools, 4-H clubs, youth groups, youth conferences, and after-school programs.

Testimonials

“This was by far one of the best drug-type presentations that I have been a part of. I really like that it was more about the choices you make and not about “don’t do this, or don’t do that.” The students were engaged and I could tell they were really thinking and digesting the material. It was also timely for my seniors who are going off to a new adventure this fall, it really put a seed in their minds to think about their actions and how this can change not only their lives, but the lives of others. I highly recommend this program!!”

Andrew Jensen | Ag Education Teacher | Chester, SD

Adult Programming

The 1-hour presentation, The Opioid Public Health Crisis (OPHC), addressed opioid misuse, risk factors, and suggested prevention methods. Participants learned how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and how the opioid reversal drug Naloxone works, and some of the solutions that states and communities are applying to reduce the effects of the health crisis.

We trained parents, employees, employers, teachers and service providers in 16 communities.

Graphic map of North and South Dakota with locations of presentations

Graphic Banner of man comforting a friend over coffee with CRAFT Community Support Groups logo

CRAFT Community Support Groups

CRAFT Community Support Groups are a virtual and face-to-face training for the friends and family members concerned about their loved ones who live with a substance use disorder. This program is based on the Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) model. The CRAFT model is a highly effective, evidence-based, motivational program that impacts communities and families in multiple areas of their lives.

  1. Reduce your loved one’s harmful substance use
  2. Help move your loved one toward treatment
  3. Improve the lives of the concerned family and friends

Topics include:

  • Relationship dynamics: identifying triggers & motivators
  • Developing positive communication techniques
  • Helping the loved one enter treatment services & engage in recovery

Testimonials

“Just wanted to let you know that the classes I took worked. During [my daughter’s] treatment we had 2 over-the-telephone counseling sessions with her counselor & [she] brought up how it was so much easier to talk to me. She said, “my mom is a different person and I really love my new mom!” She said, “If my mom was willing to take classes so she could communicate better with me, then I had to meet her half way.” So, I want to thank you so much for the classes, they were successful for me and my daughter.”
–CRAFT PARTICIPANT

Couple walking as they hug eachother

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