November 21, 2017 – The New Mexico Direct Caregivers Coalition (NMDCC) have developed a curriculum focused on caregiver health and safety in the workplace and at home.

Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the grant targets frontline healthcare workers, training them on opioid safety and kitchen/bathroom chemical hazards.

Beginning January 2018, courses will be offered at no charge to agency employers, elder center staff on Native American lands, people working as independently-contracted caregivers and other frontline healthcare workers throughout New Mexico. Grant County will be the first in the state to receive these trainings. December 7 at the Silver City Senior Center & Dec. 8 at the Santa Clara Senior Center. Both sessions are 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. "We are so fortunate to be able to partner with NMDCC and provide this vital information to caregivers in our community," states Cari Lemon, Grant County Community Health Council Director. "Thanks to HMS for agreeing to host both trainings at the senior centers, and thank you to Silver Adult Care Services and Gila Valley Community Partners for helping to spread the word!"

Training participants will learn how to recognize the symptoms of opioid use disorder and opioid overdose. Trainees will also learn how to keep themselves and care recipients safe from the negative effects of opioids and opioid abuse.

"NMDCC is designing a curriculum that is culturally- and linguistically-appropriate for New Mexico communities so that any person can recognize the symptoms of opioid overdose and do something about it," added Smith.

In addition to opioid overdose prevention and safety, courses will educate caregivers of older adults and people with disabilities on potential chemical hazards frequently found in kitchens and bathrooms.

"Caregivers are at the front lines of service to those who are elderly and those with disabilities," said Adrienne R. Smith, President and CEO of the organization. "They are in a unique position to observe what goes on in the home."

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