Syringe Services Program Academy
Maryland Syringe Services Program (SSP) staff, register for this course bundle. The SSP Academy offers foundational instruction for staff of SSPs in Maryland.
Winter 2025 Session beginning January 16, 2025
The SSP Academy is a series of online courses designed to prepare staff of Maryland SSPs to provide high-quality services.
The Winter 2025 session will run from January-February, 2025
What does the SSP Academy include?
8 Required On-demand courses
Available now! These courses provide foundational knowledge and skills for working in an SSP. You can work on these at your own pace.
Mandatory Live sessions:
These sessions will be held on Zoom and you can access them directly through the online course. Everyone must attend these sessions. If you are unable to attend these, please email us at [email protected] for further instructions.
- Thursday January 16, 2025– 10am to 12pm: SSP 101
- Thursday February 13, 2025 – 10am to 12pm: SSPs in Maryland
Optional live sessions:
These sessions will be held on Zoom and you can access them directly through the online course. These sessions are optional. During these sessions we will practice the skills learned in the on-demand courses. Please complete the courses first.
- Thursday, January 23- 10am to 12pm
Practice Session: Technical Skills
Complete at least one of these on-demand courses first: Safer Injection & Basic Wound Care, Overdose Prevention & Response, and Fentanyl Test Strips
- Thursday, January 30– 10am to 12pm
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Practice Session: Motivational Interviewing
Complete the on-demand course first
Thursday, February 6– 10am to 12pm
Practice Session: Education and Outreach
Complete the on-demand course first
All SSP Academy courses must be completed by February 28,, .
COURSES
The SSP Academy includes the courses below.
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Free[START HERE] SSP Academy Orientation
The SSP Academy Orientation is designed to guide students in successfully completing the SSP Academy.
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FreeLIVE: Syringe Services Programs (SSPs) 101 January 16, 2025
Explore community-based prevention programs that can provide a range of services, including access to and disposal of sterile syringes and injection equipment, vaccination, testing, and linkage to infectious disease care and substance use treatment.
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FreeHarm Reduction 101
Explore harms and benefits associated with drug use, principles of harm reduction, and harm reduction interventions.
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FreeStigma, Trauma, and People Who Use Drugs
Examine the historical roots of drug-related stigma, the role of trauma for people who use drugs, and strategies for challenging stigma at multiple levels.
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FreeOutreach and Engagement of People Who Use Drugs
Explore how harm reduction programs can work with people who use drugs.
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FreeDe-escalation and Conflict Management
Explore strategies for identifying escalation, a plan to manage conflict, and tools to support people through the de-escalation and conflict management process.
What's the SSP Academy include?
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8 on-demand courses
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2 required live courses
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3 optional live practice sessions
FAQ
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Who is required to participate in the SSP Academy?
Anyone who works at an SSP in Maryland and has contact with SSP participants is required to complete the SSP Academy.
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What if I completed the SSP Core Trainings or SSP Cohort Trainings in 2020 or earlier?
If you completed the SSP Cohort/Core Trainings in 2020 or earlier, you are not required to complete the SSP Academy. But you're welcome to join if you'd like a refresher!
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Can other people participate in the SSP Academy?
Yes! Anyone who's interested can participate!
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Is there anyone else you encourage to participate?
We especially encourage staff of programs applying to start SSP services in the next 6 months to participate. And -- any current SSP staff who want a refresher!
INSTRUCTORS
Maryland Harm Reduction Training Institute
MaHRTI
[email protected]Have a question? Email us at [email protected]!