Virtual meeting
Via Zoom
Description
Substance-related deaths continue to rise, leaving families, friends, and communities to cope with profound grief that is often complicated by stigma, trauma, and a lack of support. This training is designed for healthcare workers and community members who support individuals and families impacted by such loss. Through a trauma-informed and empathetic lens, participants will explore the unique emotional complexities surrounding substance-related bereavement. The session will offer practical tools and evidence-based interventions to help providers engage compassionately with those grieving, while also connecting them to meaningful community and clinical resources. This training emphasizes the importance of reducing stigma, fostering healing, and enhancing the role of healthcare providers in postvention support.
During the training, we will show a short video in memory of loved ones we've lost to a substance-related death. If you wish, you may click here to upload a photo of someone you would like to remember. These images will be included in the video, which will be shown during the public training. Photo submission deadline: To allow our team the time needed to create the memorial video, the photo submission form will close at 11:59pm ET on August 20, 2025.
Intended audience
Providers, nurses, social workers, psychologists, peer supports, other clinical staff, non-clinicians, and community members.
Objectives
At the end of this training, participants will have the knowledge necessary to:
- Describe 2 of the complex emotions related to loss.
- Name 3 resources for individuals who have lost someone from substance use-related reasons.
- Identify at least 2 interventions to support those experiencing grief.
Sponsored by
Boston Medical Center Grayken Center for Addiction TTA, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (DPH/BSAS)
Funding for out of state attendees is provided by the Opioid Response Network (ORN).
Funding for this initiative was made possible (in part) by grant no. 1H79TI085588-02 from SAMHSA. The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
Accreditation information
Please read the Accreditation Information section of the training page to learn about the requirements for receiving credit or a certificate of completion.
Audience
Providers, nurses, social workers, psychologists, peer supports, other clinical staff, non-clinicians, and community members.
