Who does ODYSIE outreach to? Public schools? Private schools? Educators? Students?
ODYSIE’s mission is primarily towards high school educators in the Inland Empire (San Bernardino and Riverside Counties) and increasing general awareness regarding youth overdose amongst school staff. Both public and private schools are welcome. However, ODYSIE is engaging with other outreach groups and community programs to promote similar outreach to students, parents, and families as well. If you have questions about this, please contact us directly.
Is ODYSIE similar to the DARE program?
While the DARE program historically promoted a “just say no” and zero-tolerance mentality directly to elementary school students and adolescents, ODYSIE instead promotes a harm reduction approach to youth overdose risk awareness and overdose response amongst school educators and administrators. DARE-style education has unfortunately not been shown to be effective and is not recommended by the U.S. Office of the Surgeon General or the U.S. Department of Education. On the other hand, ODYSIE reflects the national shift toward harm reduction and naloxone promotion that has been shown to be effective in many contexts.
What is harm reduction?
The National Harm Reduction Coalition defines harm reduction as “a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use.” ODYSIE aligns with the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in promoting this evidence-based approach to overdose prevention and conversations about substance use, especially amongst adolescents and those who care for and serve them. In practicality, harm reduction interventions include overdose prevention education and widespread naloxone distribution. Please see the links above, or feel free to contact us for more information.
How long are the training sessions?
This will depend on the school, level of interest/participation by educators, training modules requested, and arrangements available for the training event. We can modify individual training sessions down to 30 minutes duration or up to 60-90 minutes depending on the aforementioned factors. Rotating arrangements (1-2 classrooms with small groups) may require more dedicated time overall, but typically result in higher quality training than large “assembly”-style presentations, although both are welcome.
How many educators/staff can participate?
There is no limit to the number of participants although we may request training sessions are completed over several rounds depending on the school’s available arrangements. We request that all participants sign into the training session, and optionally complete pre and post-training surveys.
What is the cost to the school for ODYSIE outreach?
ODYSIE provides school-based outreach at NO COST to schools and participants. The training is provided by experienced volunteers and other incurred expenses are covered via grant funding held by the Loma Linda University Emergency Department, awarded by the CARESTAR foundation. ODYSIE only asks that participants complete pre and post-training surveys, although this is optional.
How can our school obtain naloxone kits?
Schools are eligible to apply for no-cost naloxone kits through the California Naloxone Distribution Project. Please visit their website for more information and to fill out the short application.
Please Contact Us if you have specific questions.