This training is designed to equip professionals, healthcare providers, and community workers with the tools to engage in trauma-informed harm reduction conversations. Led by peer and recovery mentor Sean Mahoney, the session offers practical strategies for approaching individuals facing substance use challenges with empathy, safety, and compassion. Topics will include harm reduction for opioids, meth, alcohol, benzos, and beyond, as well as techniques to create supportive, non-judgmental conversations that affirm the value of those being served. By the end of the session, participants will have the knowledge and skills to engage in meaningful, compassionate harm reduction conversations, helping individuals feel seen, heard, and supported in their journey toward wellness.
Objectives:
Who Should Attend:
This training is ideal for professionals in healthcare, social services, addiction support, and community outreach who work with individuals impacted by substance use and mental health challenges. Professionals must be working in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
About the facilitator:
Sean Mahoney, PWS, CRM, is a peer support specialist, trainer/facilitator, writer, recovery advocate and human in long-term recovery from drugs and alcohol. He works as a program manager and peer supervisor for the Mental Health and Addiction Association of Oregon. He also serves on the City of Portland’s Ryan White Funding Council for humans living with HIV/AIDS. He is also a longtime faculty member of the Oregon ECHO Network. He lives in Portland with his black cat Larry.
