Syringe Services Program Academy Spring 2025
The Maryland Harm Reduction Training Institute proudly announces the Spring 2025 cohort of the SSP Academy!
Syringe Services Program Academy – Spring 2025
The Maryland Harm Reduction Training Institute, in collaboration with the Maryland Department of Health’s Office of Harm Reduction, is excited to announce the Spring 2025 cohort of the Maryland Syringe Services Program (SSP) Academy.
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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 May 15, 2025 - 10am: Syringe Services Programs 101
Explore community-based programs that can provide a range of services, including access to and disposal of syringes and injection equipment, vaccination, testing and linkage to infectious disease care, and substance use treatment. 2 CEUs available.
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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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FreeMotivational Interviewing
Explore motivational interviewing as a tool to help people resolve ambivalent feelings and insecurities to find the internal motivation to change their behavior.
Who should participate in the Syringe Services Program (SSP) Academy?
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Required: If you work at a Syringe Services Program (SSP) in Maryland and interact with SSP participants, you are required to complete the SSP Academy (unless you have already completed a past cohort of the SSP Academy or SSP Core/Cohort Training)
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Staff of programs applying to be an SSP in the next six months are encouraged to join.
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Anyone else who is interested may participate! (including SSP staff who would like a refresher)
What does the SSP Academy include?
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Eight required on-demand courses – available now for Spring 2025!
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Two required live sessions
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Required Live Session - SSP 101 will be held Thursday, May 15 from 10 AM- 12 PM
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Required Live Session - SSP’s in Maryland will be held Thursday, June 12 from 10 AM- 12 PM
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Optional Live Session - Tuesday, May 20 – 10am to 12pm Practice Session: Outreach & Engagement of People Who Use Drugs. Complete the on-demand course first.
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Optional Live Session - Friday, May 30 – 10am to 12pm Practice Session: Motivational Interviewing. Complete the on-demand course first.
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Optional LIve Session - Tuesday, June 3 – 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.
Register Now
All SSP Academy courses must be completed by Friday, June 27, 2025.