Strengthening the Behavioral Health Workforce Through Upstream Overdose Prevention

• By: Stephanie Simons Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
• January 19th, 2026
• behavioral health workforce, fentanyl risk, harm reduction, motivational interviewing, overdose prevention, provider training, safety planning, substance use awareness, Winter 2026 Issue
• 547    0

I came to this work with a personal understanding of how overdose affects families and communities. I lost my brother to an unintentional fentanyl overdose two years ago after he took a pill that he believed was oxycodone, given by someone he trusted. The loss reshaped how I understood...

A Person-Centered Approach to Substance Use: Lessons from the Barbershop

• By: Ernest Bonner Roberto Moran Trish Marsik Services for the UnderServed (S:US)
• April 16th, 2020
• behavioral health, care coordination, community health, medication-assisted treatment, opioid use disorder, primary care integration, provider training, substance use screening
• 1503    0

When you walk into your favorite barbershop or hair salon to get a shape-up, a trim, or a new look, what happens? Likely you’re greeted with smiles and welcoming words. If it’s a bit fancy, maybe an assistant offers you something to drink. Somebody takes your coat, offers you a seat. There is a...