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.

OADPOP Academy Registration is OPEN!

Register today to receive early updates, a reminder on January 16, and full access when the Academy officially launches on January 20!

Registration is required to participate.

Register Now

Why Participate in the OADPOP Academy?

The OADPOP Academy creates a unified, statewide learning model that:

  • Builds confidence and competency across Maryland’s Drug User Health workforce
  • Reflects community voices and lived experience
  • Reinforces consistency and quality across outreach services
  • Supports professional development through recognized certificates
  • Strengthens Maryland’s capacity to respond to evolving community needs

The Academy is an essential component of the POINT Center’s mission to prepare, support, and elevate the teams who deliver Drug User Health services across Maryland.

OADPOP Academy Curriculum

Part One

Foundations in 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

Focus areas include:

  • Core Concepts in Drug User Health
  • Community engagement grounded in lived experience
  • Practical strategies for safer use, linkage, and navigation
  • Reducing stigma and strengthening trust

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

Skills developed include:

  • Culturally responsive communication
  • Trauma-informed engagement
  • Motivational and strengths-based approaches
  • Relationship-building strategies

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

Topics include:

  • Overdose prevention
  • Screening and linkage workflows
  • Safe handling of supplies and equipment
  • Program documentation and quality assurance

Advanced Training Series

Coming February 2026

The Advanced Series builds on the OADPOP curriculum by offering specialized modules for seasoned outreach workers ready to deepen their expertise.

Upcoming topics may include:

  • Emerging issues in community drug use trends
  • Complex case engagement
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration
  • Community-led innovation in Drug User Health

This series is recommended for individuals looking to lead programs, supervise teams, or specialize their skillsets.