Resource Center for Parents and Children integrates opioid prevention into parenting classes

The Resource Center for Parents and Children (RCPC) told the Health and Social Services Commission that it is embedding opioid- and fentanyl-related prevention content into its established parenting education offerings to reach caregivers across Alaska. "We're here to talk about our opioid remediation grant," said Nathaniel Snyder, who identified himself as representing the Resource Center for Parents and Children. RCPC described a program called Start the Conversation that began as a collaboration among Fairbanks Public Health, Interior AIDS Association and RCPC. Leaders said they adapted the material into the Active Parenting of Teens curriculum to reach more caregivers and to reduce stigma. RCPC said the project has distributed drug-deactivation kits, fentanyl testing strips and other supplies; staff reported that supplies are being refilled weekly at the agency’s entry point so residents can access items discreetly. The agency also said it uses virtual classes and broad outreach to reach caregivers in remote communities, including Utqiagvik, Kotzebue and Nome. Commissioners asked about program evidence and data-sharing; one commissioner suggested RCPC contact Interior AIDS Association to obtain current epidemiological figures. RCPC representatives said they used Fairbanks Public Health data and Interior AIDS Association expertise for current information and said they can partner with other agencies for data and evaluation. Commissioners complimented RCPC’s outreach strategy and encouraged the organization to document outcomes for future best-practice guidance. The commission collected scores for RCPC; staff will compile results for the award process.