ALTERNATIVES & AWARENESS | Opioid Awareness

Alternatives & Awareness Program

Directed by Brandon Bolton & Erin Sutton

I. Background:

The Opioid Awareness Foundation (OAF) is dedicated to promoting awareness and
education about the dangers of opioids and other addictive substances. Our Alternatives & Awareness Program (AA) is committed to supporting veterans who may be struggling with chronic pain or other health issues.

By providing veterans with alternative medicine instead of opioids and narcotics, AA is working to promote access to safe and effective healthcare options for those who have served our country. By promoting education, awareness, and access to alternative medicine, the Opioid Awareness Foundation is helping to create a more just and equitable healthcare system, with a particular focus on those who have been most impacted by the opioid epidemic. AA’s commitment to social justice and equity is grounded in its belief that all individuals deserve access to safe and effective healthcare options, and that by working together, we can create a better future for all.

Furthermore, youth education is an essential component of creating a more just and
equitable society. The Opioid Awareness Foundation recognizes that marginalized
communities and vulnerable populations are often disproportionately impacted by
substance abuse and addiction and that promoting education and awareness around
alternative coping mechanisms can help to break down these barriers and promote greater equity and social justice. By investing in youth education, AA is helping to create a more equitable and just society for all.

II. Alternative Meds for Vets (Veterans)

It is important for the Alternatives & Awareness Program to educate veterans on alternative medicines instead of opioids and narcotics because veterans are often at high risk for chronic pain and other health issues that can lead to the over-prescription of these substances. Opioids and narcotics can be highly addictive and can lead to serious health problems and even death. Many veterans may be struggling with PTSD or other mental health conditions, which can be exacerbated by the use of these substances.

Creating access to alternative medicine is also an essential component of promoting social justice and equity. Veterans and other marginalized communities are often underserved by traditional medical providers, and may not have access to the care and support they need to manage chronic health conditions. By promoting access to alternative medicine, OAF is helping to break down barriers to care and support and to promote greater equity and social justice in our healthcare system.

Programs Include:

Education and Outreach Campaigns: Education and Outreach Campaigns are essential for creating awareness about alternative medicines and their benefits, particularly for veterans who may be at higher risk for chronic pain and other health issues. By educating veterans on the benefits of alternative medicines such as medical cannabis and CBD products, they can make informed decisions about their healthcare options and avoid the risks associated with opioids and narcotics.
VA Discount Program: VA Discount Programs provide access to affordable alternative medicines for veterans who may be struggling with chronic pain or other health issues. These programs help to promote equity and social justice by ensuring that veterans have access to the care and support they need, regardless of their financial situation.
Access for Disabled Veterans: Access for Disabled Veterans is another important initiative developed by OAF. Veterans with disabilities may face additional barriers to accessing alternative medicines, and this program helps to break down these barriers and ensure that they have access to safe and effective healthcare options.
Advocacy: Advocacy for alternative medicine instead of opioids and narcotics is also essential for creating systemic change in the healthcare system. By advocating for policies and programs that promote alternative medicines, the OAF is helping to create a safer and more effective healthcare system for veterans and their families.

III.Youth Awareness & Education

The Alternatives & Awareness Program recognizes that youth are particularly vulnerable to the dangers of opioids and other addictive substances and that promoting education and awareness around alternative coping mechanisms is essential to preventing substance abuse and addiction. Social and emotional intelligence, as well as alternative coping mechanisms such as mindfulness, exercise, and therapy, can help youth to build
resilience, manage stress and anxiety, and navigate challenges in a healthy and productive
way.

By developing campaigns to educate youth on the importance of social and emotional intelligence and alternative coping mechanisms, the Alternatives & Awareness Program is working to promote the long-term health and well-being of young people, as well as to prevent future substance abuse and addiction. OAF recognizes that education and awareness are key to changing attitudes and behaviors around substance use and that
investing in youth education is a critical part of its mission to create a safer and healthier world for all.

The Alternatives & Awareness Program can promote education and awareness around alternative coping mechanisms through a variety of initiatives and programs, including:

School-based programs: AA can develop programs that provide social and emotional intelligence education, mindfulness practices, and other alternative coping mechanisms to students in schools. These programs can be integrated into existing health and wellness curricula or offered as standalone programs.
Community outreach: AA can host community events and workshops that promote alternative coping mechanisms, such as mindfulness and exercise, to help youth build resilience and manage stress and anxiety in a healthy way.
Online resources: AA can create online resources such as videos, podcasts, and articles that promote alternative coping mechanisms and provide information and support to youth who may be struggling with substance abuse or addiction.
Partnership with mental health professionals: AA can partner with mental health professionals to provide counseling and therapy services to youth who may be struggling with mental health issues that may contribute to substance abuse or addiction.
Advocacy and policy change: AA can advocate for policies and programs that promote alternative coping mechanisms and support the mental health needs of youth. This can include lobbying for increased funding for mental health services in schools and communities, as well as supporting policies that promote alternative medicine and therapies as safe and effective options for treating mental health conditions.

Overall, promoting education and awareness around alternative coping mechanisms is a critical component of preventing substance abuse and addiction among youth. The Opioid Awareness Foundation can use a variety of initiatives and programs to promote these coping mechanisms and support the mental health needs of youth, ultimately creating a safer and healthier future for all.

IV. Coalition Building

Creating a coalition in the cannabis industry with veteran non-profits, cannabis businesses, schools, and government officials to promote education and awareness around alternative coping mechanisms and to provide access to alternative medicine for veterans can have a significant impact on promoting health, wellness, and social justice in our communities.

By bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders, the Alternatives & Awareness Program can help to amplify its message and reach a wider audience. This collaborative approach can help to break down barriers and create a more integrated and comprehensive approach to addressing the complex issues surrounding substance abuse and addiction. The coalition can work to build stronger partnerships between cannabis businesses, schools, and government officials. By creating a shared vision and a common set of goals, the coalition can help to build trust and promote cooperation between these stakeholders, ultimately leading to a more effective and responsive healthcare system for veterans and youth.