Opioid-Associated Disease Prevention and Outreach Program (OADPOP) Academy

The OADPOP Academy is a signature learning pathway within the POINT Center, designed to strengthen Maryland’s drug user health workforce through accessible, skills-based training.


The Academy blends on-demand modules, live practice sessions, and community storytelling to build practical, real-world competencies for anyone engaging with people who use drugs.


The Academy supports new and experienced outreach staff, community-based organizations, and health and social service professionals across Maryland. Participants receive certificates of completion for each module or series completed.

Part One: Foundations of Drug User Health

Provides the foundational knowledge needed to support people who use drugs with dignity, safety, and evidence-informed practice. This includes three (3) self-paced modules followed by a live skills practice session.

  • Module 1: Introduction to Drug User Health
  • Module 2: Understanding Opioid Associated Disease Prevention and Outreach Programs
  • Module 3: Motivational Interviewing for Drug User Health
  • Live session: Practicing Motivational Interviewing Techniques
    February 3, 2026, 10am–12pm Eastern

Part Two: Core People Skills

Designed to strengthen the interpersonal skills essential to effective outreach, this pathway helps participants build confident, respectful communication with clients and communities.

  • Module 4: Outreach and Engagement with People Who Use Drugs (PWUD)
  • Module 5: De-escalation and Conflict Management
  • Live session: Applied Outreach and De-escalation 
    February 17, 2026, 10am–12pm Eastern

Part Three: Technical and Clinical Skills

A deeper dive into the tools, protocols, and applied skills needed to support safe, informed drug user health outreach.

  • Module 6: Common Drugs and Methods of Intake
  • Module 7: Wound Care
  • Module 8: Drug Checking as Care: Test Strip Training
  • Module 9: Overdose Prevention and Response
  • Live session: Hands-On Technical Skills for Drug User Health
    March 10, 2026, 10am—12pm Eastern






Module 1: Introduction to Drug User Health: Principles and Practice

Introduction to Drug User Health: Principles and Practice

Introduction to Drug User Health offers a foundational overview of drug user health strategies to support people who use drugs. Participants will explore key terms, health risks tied to drug use, and the role of OADPOP in Maryland. The training emphasizes nonjudgmental, practical approaches for safer use, building trust, and promoting public health.

Learning Objectives: 

  • Define Drug User Health and its core values.

  • Identify three effective Drug User Health strategies.

  • Describe protections under Maryland’s Good Samaritan Law.


Module 2: Understanding Opioid- Associated Disease Prevention and Outreach Programs: Purpose and Impact

Understanding Opioid-Associated Disease Prevention and Outreach Programs: Purpose and Impact

Comprehensive overview of OADPOPs, what they do, how they prevent HIV/HCV, and their role in community health.

Learning Objectives:

  • Define drug user health as it relates to drug use.

  • Define services provided by Maryland’s Opioid-Associated Disease Prevention and Outreach Programs.

  • Identify outreach strategies to promote Drug User Health.

  • Discuss the impact of Maryland’s Opioid-Associated Disease Prevention and Outreach Programs on reducing infectious disease transmission.


Module 3: Motivational Interviewing for Drug User Health Settings

Motivational Interviewing for Drug User Health Settings

Motivational interviewing is an evidence-based approach utilizing person-centered conversation that supports individuals in making behavior changes. This collaborative, non-judgmental approach honors the autonomy of the individual. Motivational interviewing can be a powerful tool in helping clients discover their own reasons for making a change. Effective motivational interviewing takes time and practice to master, but there are plenty of simple techniques that workers can adopt to better assist their clients. 

This module will provide you with a working knowledge of motivational interviewing and foundational skills to integrate motivational interviewing into your organization.


Learning Objectives:

  • Explain motivational interviewing principles.

  • Define the 8 stages to acquire expertise using motivational interviewing.

  • Describe how to use OARS as a tool in motivational interviewing conversations.

  • Explain the Stages of Change/Transtheoretical Model.

  • List the key principles for using motivational interviewing with a client.


Next Step: Live session: Practicing Motivational Interviewing Techniques

Please select and register for the live session that best fits with your schedule.

 YOU MUST ATTEND A LIVE SESSION TO ADVANCE. PARTICIPANTS ONLY NEED TO ATTEND ONE LIVE SESSION.

February 3: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM OR 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM EST 

February 5: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM OR 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM EST