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 Closes January 30th!
Register before January 30 to access the OADPOP Academy and join the inaugural cohort.
Registration is required to participate.
What is an Opioid-Associated Disease Prevention and Outreach Program (OADPOP)?
OADPOPs are jointly authorized under Maryland law by the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) and local health departments to provide a wide range of essential health and social services to people who use drugs. This includes education and supplies to prevent overdose, reduce infectious disease transmission and increase access to substance use, mental health, and medical services. Visit MDH’s website for more information about OADPOPs in Maryland.
Why Participate in the OADPOP Academy?
The OADPOP Academy is an MDH-certified training program for staff and volunteers working in authorized OADPOPs in Maryland. 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 and 2pm–4pm
February 5, 2026, 10am–12pm and 2pm–4pm
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 and 2pm–4pm
February 19, 2026, 10am–12pm and 2pm–4pm
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 and 2pm–4pm
March 12, 2026, 10am–12pm and 2pm–4pm
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.