Branches LLC is aligned with the Addiction Policy Forum (APF) and its national campaign to tackle the stigma of addiction. APF is a nonprofit whose mission is to end addiction as a major health problem.

Stigma refers to a process through which individuals are discriminated against, devalued, rejected, or excluded as a result of belonging to a socially discredited group. Addiction-related stigma prevents people who are struggling from reaching out for help and isolates families affected by the disease who fear being judged by their communities. Although over 20.3 million people in the United States struggle with substance use, nearly half of Americans don’t think that addiction is a disease. This stigma leads to discrimination in health care, criminal justice, employment, child custody, and housing, especially in rural communities where treatment and recovery resources may be scarce. 

 **Thanks to a partnership with the MHRSB of Allen, Auglaize and Hardin Counties, we are offering these trainings FREE** 

 The enCompass and Responding to Addiction trainings were created by the Addiction Policy Forum and are designed to build the skills to support and respond to substance use disorders. Both comprehensive trainings are designed for all who want to learn more about addiction and have the skills to respond, navigate the resources in their community, and ultimately keep people safe from harm.  

1) the latest in science and advancement to address addiction, including how to identify signs and symptoms;

2) how to respond to someone in crisis

3) how to help an individual in need of support, including evidence-based treatment options and medications to treat addiction;

4) the effects of stigma on individuals and families; and,

5) self-care and personal boundaries (*enCompass specific).

 Attendees often include families, friends, caregivers, clergy, law enforcement, first responders, healthcare providers, employers, educators, community-based service providers, etc. All are welcome to either of the session offerings.