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Operational Readiness Certificate Programs

Effective strategies and practical techniques for addressing Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and co-occurring conditions

Corrections professionals use opioid use disorder training throughout facilities.

Operational Readiness for Corrections: OUD

Equip correctional staff with evidence-based strategies to manage OUD and co-occurring conditions in custody. Strengthen safety, reduce risk, and support rehabilitation through effective response.

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Firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and associated teams benefit from opioid crisis training for first responders.

Operational Readiness for First Responders: OUD

Prepare first responders to act decisively in opioid-related emergencies. Build skills in de-escalation, resource connection and coordinated community response to protect lives and strengthen outcomes.

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Law enforcement officers can improve public safety through hands-on opioid crisis training.

Operational Readiness for Police Officers: OUD

Give law enforcement the tools to manage OUD-related crises. Develop expertise in de-escalation, harm reduction, naloxone response, and safe community engagement.

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  • Quick 4 modules per course
  • Affordable $450 per person, including all course materials
  • Flexible 100% online, self-paced courses

Who are these programs for?

These online certificate programs are designed for dedicated professionals who encounter the realities of the opioid crisis daily. Each program is tailored to a specific discipline. They are built for:

  • Corrections professionals
  • Emergency medical technicians
  • Firefighters
  • Paramedics
  • Police officers
  • Other public safety and law enforcement roles

What you or your team will learn from the programs

Operational Readiness for Corrections: OUD 

Module Overview

  • Module 1 – Calm: Understanding OUD & Co-occurring Conditions Behind the Walls
  • Module 2 – Assess: Recognizing Risk & Reading Behavior
  • Module 3 – Respond: Best Practices for Facility Collaboration
  • Module 4 – Engage: Practical Application & Resource Utilization

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

  • Recognize signs of OUD and co-occurring mental health conditions among individuals in custody.
  • Understand how behavioral health challenges impact safety, stability, and rehabilitation.
  • Respond effectively to overdose and withdrawal emergencies within a facility.
  • Apply trauma-informed communication and de-escalation strategies appropriate for correctional settings.
  • Collaborate with internal and external partners to connect individuals to treatment and recovery resources.
  • Develop a CARE-based action plan for safe, structured crisis response. 

Program Instructors and Content Experts

  • Jane Sachs, Director of Training Services (Ret.), Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services
  • Jack Kavanagh, Director, Department of Corrections, Howard County​
  • Morgan Pickering​, Owner, Certified Peer Specialist–Mental Health (CPS-MH), CPC-Public Safety
  • Dan Lasher, Correctional Administrator
  • Michael D. Branham, Maricopa County Constable (Arrowhead Precinct)/Presiding Constable, Maricopa County (Arizona)
Operational Readiness for First Responders: OUD

Module Overview

  • Module 1 – Understanding OUD & Co-occurring Conditions
  • Module 2 – Recognizing & Responding to OUD
  • Module 3 – Best Practices for Field Collaboration
  • Module 4 – Real-World Application & Resource Utilization

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to: 

  • Recognize signs of OUD and its common co-occurring conditions.
  • Understand how mental health disorders impact crisis response and recovery.
  • Respond effectively to Opioid Overdose Emergencies using Naloxone.
  • Apply trauma-informed communication and de-escalation techniques in the field.
  • Identify your legal responsibilities, including navigating the rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
  • Collaborate with local and national resources to provide treatment and recovery.
  • Develop an action plan for safe, compassionate crisis response. 

Program Instructors and Content Experts

  • William Rosen,​ EMS Manager,​ Neptune Township EMS
  • Dr. Jason Demas, Division Chief of Training​, Aurora Fire Department
  • Dawn N. Peake, M.S., Co-Founder and Training Consultant​, Innovative Training Solutions LLC
  • Edward G. Hargis, Police Chief (Ret.), Owner and President​, Code 5 Solutions LLC
Operational Readiness for Police Officers: OUD

Module Overview

  • Module 1 – Understanding OUD & Co-occurring Conditions
  • Module 2 – Recognizing & Responding to OUD
  • Module 3 – Best Practices for Field Collaboration
  • Module 4 – Real-World Application & Resource Utilization

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to: 

  • Recognize the behavioral and physical signs of OUD and understand its impact on individuals and communities.
  • Understand the role of co-occurring mental health conditions in complicating OUD treatment and response efforts.
  • Know how to respond to an Opioid Overdose Emergency and the proper use of Naloxone.
  • Apply verbal and non-verbal de-escalation techniques to safely manage crises involving individuals with OUD.
  • Navigate the legal considerations involved in responding to OUD, including understanding the rights of individuals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
  • Utilize community resources and mental health services to provide ongoing support and care for individuals affected by OUD.
  • Document crisis interventions effectively to reduce liability and protect both law enforcement and individuals in crisis. 

Program Instructors and Content Experts

  • Thomas B. Smith, M.S.​, Sergeant - Crisis Response Team, Baltimore City Police Department
  • Dawn N. Peake, M.S., Co-Founder and Training Consultant​, Innovative Training Solutions LLC
  • Martin Bartness​, Senior Principal, Center for Management & Technical Assistance, Police Executive Research 
    Forum (PERF)
  • Greg Weber​, Police Chief (Ret.), Eden Prairie Police Department
  • Seth Glass​, Detective, Austin Police Department
  • Mike Fickel​, Detective, Austin Police Department

Why choose Ohio State for your opioid response training?

Learn from your peers

These hands-on, skills-based courses are designed by and for public safety and law enforcement professionals. You’ll learn from public safety veterans who have faced the same challenges you do and speak your professional language.

Work at your own pace

Your schedule isn't 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and your training shouldn't be either. These programs are 100% online and self-paced so that you can complete modules on your own time, from anywhere. Start learning as soon as today.

Earn an Ohio State certificate

Earn a certificate from The Ohio State University, a leader in research and public safety innovation. Showcase your commitment to professional excellence and community leadership with a credential that carries weight in jurisdictions nationwide.

Program contacts

Jack Austin

Chief of Staff
jaustin@opioidtrainingsolutions.com
(802) 324-3141

Lauren Mastroianni

Senior Vice President, Sales Operations
lmastroianni@opioidtrainingsolutions.com
(908) 370-5299


 

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