LANSING — Every day, seven Michigan residents die from an opioid overdose. To address opioid use disorder and overdose deaths across Michigan, Michigan State University Extension, Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine and the Northwest Health Department of Michigan are offering opioid misuse prevention education to Michigan communities through the Michigan Substance Use Prevention, Education, and Recovery (MISUPER) project. The presentation is available to rural community groups and can vary in length from 30 to 60 minutes. People will learn alternatives to opioid use recovery strategies.

Each of us can take action to reduce a loved one’s chance of opioid use disorder, a long-term chronic disease. MiSUPER’s community education presentations aim to empower Michigan communities to prevent opioid misuse and support people in recovery.

Eric, a recovery coach from Otsego County Michigan started using opioids because of an injury and became dependent on them. He said, “It can happen to anyone. I have learned a lot. What I have learned is that people need support and that if you have other alternative therapy, such as physical activity, meditation, medical assisted treatment, therapy and family support you can recover. Changing your lifestyle and seeking help is important. If you have air in your lungs you have a fighting chance.”

MiSUPER presentations address several topics related to opioid misuse prevention and highlight stories of hope and recovery:

What are opioids and what impact do opioids have on the body?

How has the opioid crisis impacted Michigan communities?

What treatment, recovery, and alternative to opioid options are available?

How can I minimize a loved one’s risk of an opioid overdose and support their recovery?

What can we do to prevent opioid misuse and address the opioid crisis?

Two state-wide webinar presentations have been scheduled on September 11, from 10 to 11am and on September 14, from 6-7pm on the topics mentioned above. The webinars are free and open to all people in Michigan.

To learn more about MiSUPER’s opioid misuse prevention efforts and to request a presentation for your community, organization, or coalition, visit the MiSUPER website at https://www.canr.msu.edu/misuper/index.