Louisiana MOUD Training

The Justice Speakers Institute (JSI), in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections, delivered a cutting-edge in-person MOUD training to address Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and educate criminal justice professionals on the use of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD). This comprehensive program was specifically designed to equip professionals with the essential tools and knowledge for supervising individuals affected by OUD.

This Louisiana MOUD training employed a collaborative learning model, integrating expert-led sessions, peer-to-peer learning, and case-based discussions to enhance participant engagement and practical understanding. Participants explored a wide array of critical topics, including:

• The effects of substance use disorders on the brain and body
• Recovery strategies and long-term outcomes
• Addressing stigma and upholding patient rights
• Evidence-based OUD screening and assessment practices
• Effective relapse management techniques
• The pivotal role of MOUD in achieving sustainable recovery

A special focus was placed on Naloxone (Narcan), a life-saving medication that rapidly reverses opioid overdoses. Attendees were trained on how **Narcan** works and its proper administration, empowering them to act decisively in overdose situations.

Additionally, the program highlighted the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and its requirements for supporting individuals receiving MOUD. Participants gained insights into supervision best practices, ensuring adherence to ADA guidelines while effectively monitoring individuals with OUD.

Before the training, attendees completed a web-based survey to evaluate their initial knowledge and attitudes about OUD and MOUD. They also had the opportunity to analyze real-world scenarios involving MOUD, fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by justice-involved individuals with OUD. A final report was submitted examining the training and the results of the survey.

This groundbreaking training represents a crucial step forward in Louisiana’s fight against the opioid epidemic, equipping criminal justice professionals with actionable strategies to support recovery, reduce stigma, and improve outcomes for justice-involved populations.