Meeting People Where They Are: Crisis Support for People Who Use Drugs

Course overview

This training is designed to equip 988 crisis responders with the tools, context and compassion to effectively support people who use drugs (PWUD). Rooted in harm reduction and trauma-informed care, this training explores how to navigate conversations about substance use, recognize and respond to overdose, and build trust with individuals who may experience stigma, isolation or fear when reaching out for help. Participants will receive a walkthrough of the evolving drug landscape, including fentanyl, xylazine and medetomidine, along with effective strategies for overdose recognition and response. The training also addresses the spectrum of substance use, the role of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and how to provide safer use resources, support and referrals. By combining current drug trends and crisis communication skills, this session empowers responders to meet callers where they are, reduce harm and further connection through empathy, not judgment. After completing this training, participants will be able to: 1. Explain the core principles of harm reduction; apply a human-centered, trauma-informed lens to crisis response with PWUD. 2. Differentiate between substance use, misuse and substance use disorder; identify the social, historical and systemic factors that shape drug-related stigma. 3. Recognize the signs of opioid and sedative-involved overdoses; describe appropriate response strategies, including naloxone administration and rescue breathing. 4. Identify current drug trends, including fentanyl, xylazine and medetomidine; refute common myths to better assess and support callers in real time. 5. Demonstrate effective, compassionate communication strategies; recommend appropriate harm reduction tools, safer use resources and treatment options such as MOUD.