August 18, 2023

Albuquerque Employers Benefit from DEA Training and Resources Available Through Operation Engage

DEA El Paso Division

Public Information Officer Carlos Briano shares information about the Operation Prevention workplace modules.
Public Information Officer Carlos Briano shares information about the Operation Prevention workplace modules.

Following a successful Family Summit on fentanyl in September of 2022, the El Paso Division outreach team has been working with Bernalillo County leadership to create more prevention education opportunities for employers. So, in July as part of Operation Engage, the DEA sponsored a CADCA training which was hosted at the Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners Chambers.

“We value our partnership with DEA,” said Lisa Sedillo-White, Deputy County Manager. “This employer training is just one example of the many events we are partnering on to raise awareness. We were happy to host and assist with marketing for the event.”

Nearly 40 employers sent Human Resource staff, managers, supervisors, training and operation directors to learn how employers can address problematic substance use and misuse in the workplace.

“The training began with an introduction on how problematic substance use impacts employees,” said Michelle Rincón, Community Outreach Specialist. “They also learned possible signs and symptoms of misuse, and why employers should address the issue.”

CADCA Instructor Dorothy J. Chaney led the training while PIO Carlos Briano moderated questions from the audience.
CADCA Instructor Dorothy J. Chaney led the training while PIO Carlos Briano moderated questions from the audience.

DEA provided information about the award-winning Operation Prevention curriculum, which has an employer component made up of four online modules that employees can complete is about an hour. The four modules explain the opioid epidemic, the science of opioids, strategies and available treatments, and prevention for individuals and communities.

“We told all the employers that a local Pueblo has made these four modules mandatory training for their nearly 2,000 employees,” said Naomi Lane, Tribal Community Outreach Specialist. “We reminded all the participants that the online modules are free and that employees get a certificate of completion they can submit to their boss.”