Opioid Education & Prevention (OEP)

Our Purpose

The Opioid Education & Prevention (OEP) program supports individuals and families affected by opioid use by providing overdose follow-up, education on prevention and treatment, and pathways to recovery. Through a peer-led, trauma-informed approach, OEP connects people to treatment, distributes naloxone to prevent future overdoses, and helps break cycles of addiction by addressing both immediate needs and long-term stability.

The program partners with Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR), ACS Behavioral Health Responders, and local organizations to reach individuals at critical moments—often right after an overdose—when they may be most open to support. Whether offering a ride to treatment, checking in during early recovery, or providing resources to families, OEP ensures that no one has to navigate addiction alone.

Our Approach

OEP’s peer-led, trauma-informed model meets people where they are—after an overdose, during a crisis, or when they’re ready for change. Our teams include people who have lived through similar experiences who offer nonjudgmental support, harm reduction resources, and pathways to recovery.

Reaching People When It Matters Most

OEP plays a vital role in providing timely, quality support to communities affected by high rates of overdose. By reducing emergency room transports, OEP peers can connect survivors directly to detox and substance use treatment, offering immediate guidance and care.

Below are proactive ways OEP supports individuals wanting to start their journey to recovery:

The Golden Opportunity model is a coordinated effort between Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR), EMS, ACS Field Response, and the ACS OEP team. Following an AFR-administered Narcan reversal, ACS field and OEP teams receive a direct referral to promptly reach out and coordinate care by offering support and immediate connection to treatment services.

OEP participates in municipal diversions programs such warrant forgiveness events hosted by the Law Offices of the Public Defender and the District Attorney's Office. These workshops assist individuals onsite to resolve outstanding warrants, and share OEP's goal of ensuring a safe environment where immediate treatment and social services can be accessed.

Once engaged, OEP peer support workers guide survivors of overdose and their families through the journey of recovery-providing harm reduction services, connecting to treatment, and fostering long-term stability and recovery.

What Peer-Led Support Looks Like

Peers help survivors of overdose access ongoing care and offer continued follow-up after discharge. Individuals are offered personalized, judgement-free support, which may include:

• Safety planning and crisis stabilization support
• Help with Crime Victims Reparation Commission (CVRC) applications for lost wages and funeral costs
• Peer mentorship and follow-up care
• Referrals to therapy and counseling
• Connections to long-term supportive services in the community
• Job readiness and employment support
• Education support, including GED, college, and trade programs
• NARCAN access and training
• Transitional Housing referrals
• Detox, treatment, and support group connections
• Food boxes
• Assistance with benefit applications:
  • Medicaid
  • SNAP/EBT
  • TANF
  • SSI and SSDI
  • LIHEAP: utility assistance

Peer Workforce

Are you a Certified Peer Support Worker (CPSW)? ACS is actively hiring individuals with lived experience who are compassionate, motivated, and ready to help others heal. Send your resume to the email below. 

Not a CPSW but you're looking to make a difference? Albuquerque Community Safety's VIP division understands the value of those with lived experience and is dedicated to help contribute to developing this workforce. ACS focuses on preparing individuals who are successfully engaged in long-term recovery with mental health and/or substance use conditions and maintaining their mental wellness to help others in their recovery process.

Through strategic workforce development programs, ACS empowers individuals with lived experience to become effective peers by providing appropriate training and support towards becoming a CPSW through the New Mexico Credentialing Board.  

Need Support?

If you or someone you know could benefit from this program, we’re here to help.

Call: 505-768-4818

Email: [email protected]