Mitigating the Harmful Effects of Fentanyl in Indigenous Communities

Key Learning Objectives:

• Understand the dangers of fentanyl and its significant impact on Indigenous populations.
• Analyze the historical and geographical factors that have contributed to the fentanyl crisis in Indigenous communities.
• Learn to identify overdose symptoms and respond using naloxone (Narcan) and de-escalation techniques.
• Explore trauma-informed care practices with a focus on historical trauma to better support affected individuals.

This course is ideal for healthcare professionals, including nurses, doctors, mental health practitioners, and first responders who work with Indigenous populations, as well as public health workers engaged in harm reduction and opioid crisis interventions. It also targets community leaders, tribal elders, and Indigenous advocates addressing substance use within their communities. Addiction and social service providers, such as counselors and case managers, along with law enforcement officers and legal professionals involved in drug-related policies and interventions, will also benefit. Additionally, educators and researchers focused on public health, addiction, or Indigenous issues will find this course valuable for their work.

Fentanyl crisis, Indigenous communities, Opioid epidemic, Trauma-informed care, Substance use disorder, Naloxone/Narcan administration, Historical trauma,
Harm reduction strategies, Addiction treatment, Public health in Indigenous populations, Cultural sensitivity in healthcare, Good Samaritan laws, Overdose prevention, Indian Health Service (IHS), Indigenous mental health