IU Grand Challenge launches courses on addiction stigma

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) — One of Indiana’s Grand Challenges initiatives is launching two courses designed to help reduce the stigma surrounding substance use disorder. The courses, which are part of the Responding to the Addictions Crisis Grand Challenge launched in 2017, are being made available to the public at no cost.

The first course is titled “In This Together: Community Conversations to Reduce Stigma of Substance Use Disorder.” IU says it is designed to foster “individual reflection and community discussions,” and is being offered in two tracks for trainers and individual learners.

The second course targets nurses throughout Indiana and the country. “Substance Use Disorders: An Introduction for Nurses and Healthcare Professionals” is designed to enhance understanding of nursing practices related to substance use disorders and addiction, according to IU.

“We are excited for the opportunity to offer these courses in which we provide nurses with essential information on substance use disorder and ways we, as a community, can effectively address this issue,” said Robin Newhouse lead investigator for the Responding to the Addictions Crisis Grand Challenge. “Stigma is one of the biggest barriers to people seeking treatment for this disease. Through conversation and courses like these, we hope to help eliminate stigma and assist one of our most vulnerable populations in receiving the support they need.”

Both courses are available to complete online.

IU says the courses are an extension of the Grand Challenge’s In This Together project, which aims to create a community resource for people wanting to learn more about substance use disorder. They are being funded through a grant from the Indiana Commission for Higher Education.