OD2A team recognized during National Prevention Week

May 11, 2022

OD2A team recognized during National Prevention Week

MOBILE, Ala. — The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Prevention Week runs May 8 through May 14. This observance helps to raise awareness about the importance of positive mental health and substance use prevention.

The Mobile County Health Department (MCHD) would like to highlight our Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) program along with Peer Recovery Specialists Deirdre Johnson and John Richardson.

The OD2A team collaborates and works closely with programs such as Family Health (the primary care division of MCHD), Project THRIVE (Trauma Healing and Resiliency in the Wake of Violent Events — a program run by the Mobile Police Department’s Office of Strategic Initiatives), and other various partners and programs to provide opioid overdose prevention services to individuals identified as at-risk for substance abuse disorder, substance use disorder, overdose, and near-fatal overdose.

The OD2A team can provide peer recovery support services that include but are not limited to overdose prevention education, facilitating recovery education groups, peer mentoring, linkages to care, and referrals to several social service organizations. Also, the program provides pharmacy bags to local pharmacies highlighting opioid awareness.

This role is an important anchor to prevention and recovery. MCHD appreciates the role of Ms. Johnson and Mr. Richardson for all that they do. If you or someone you know needs assistance navigating through recovery, call the OD2A hotline for services at 251-410-OD2A (6322).

To learn more about the role of peer workers and access recovery-related resources about peer supports and services, visit the SAMHSA’s National Prevention Week website at https://www.samhsa.gov/prevention-week.