Knowledge First:
Empowering Responders in the Opioid Crisis

  • Designed For: First responders
  • Level: Beginner
  • Cost: None
  • Duration: ~75 min
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This course is completely self-paced, so you can go through it at a speed that works best for you. You can finish in one go or spread it out over multiple sessions. We estimate about 75 minutes to complete this course if you take your time, complete all questions and practice scenarios and explore extra resources.

Knowledge First was developed as part of the Rural Opioid Harm Reduction (ROHR) for Justice-Involved Individuals Project.
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COURSE DESCRIPTION
Knowledge First is a practical training for first responders working in rural Georgia. It covers what opioids are, common misconceptions, and why certain populations—especially justice-involved individuals—are at higher risk for overdose. You will learn how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and how to respond quickly and effectively, including how to administer naloxone. The course also introduces harm reduction strategies and provides guidance on connecting individuals to community resources. Knowledge First equips first responders with the skills and confidence to save lives and respond safely in overdose situations.
Opioid harm reduction

The ROHR Project

The Rural Opioid Harm Reduction (ROHR) for Justice-Involved Individuals Project partners with rural Georgia sheriff’s offices, rural jails/prisons, and incarcerated individuals with lived experience of opioid use to reduce harm, prevent overdose, and support successful community reintegration by providing practical, evidence-based education, tools, and resources.

We believe saving lives starts with knowledge, compassion, and access—especially in places where resources are limited and the stakes are high.

Our Approach to Harm Reduction

Meeting people where they are

Reducing risk without judgement

Prioritizing safety, dignity, and life

Rooted in evidence, not fear or myths

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Harm reduction is not about enabling harm—it's about preventing death, building trust, and opening pathways to recovery.
Our team

Meet the Course Team

This training was developed by a collaborative team of instructors, subject matter experts, and a learning experience designer. 
This is a self-paced course, but if you have questions or need additional support, you are welcome to reach out to the course team. 
Jill Johns
Project Manager
Institute for Health Logistics & Analytics
Jill has over 17 years of experience creating practical, evidence-based training in health and safety. She has led multiple OSHA-funded preparedness initiatives and specializes in designing accessible, real-world learning experiences, especially for rural communities, that connect technical knowledge to everyday work.
Megan Mercer
Community Relations & Event Coordinator
Institute for Health Logistics & Analytics
Megan is a public health professional with experience in community-centered wellness, harm reduction, and violence prevention programs. She holds a Master of Public Health and is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®). She is passionate about building strong community partnerships and advancing health equity in underserved communities.
Michelle Tremblay
Learning Experience Designer
Institute for Health Logistics & Analytics
Michelle creates engaging, learner-centered training that inspires curiosity and real-world action. With over 17 years of experience in STEM education and research, she designs inclusive, hands-on learning quests that empower diverse learners to make informed decisions and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Training developed by the Institute for Health Logistics & Analytics at Georgia Southern University

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