Building Stronger Connections: Opioid Misuse Prevention in California Schools

March 27, 2025 at 10:00 am – 11:00 am (PT)

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This webinar focuses on fostering stronger connections between educators, students, and communities to enhance opioid misuse prevention efforts in California schools. By building a network of support and collaboration, we aim to create a holistic approach to preventing opioid misuse among adolescents. Participants will glean an understanding of the historical context of the opioid overdose epidemic, current trends in misuse and mortality, and explore strategies for strengthening relationships within the school environment and with external community resources. Topics will include prevention, leveraging partnerships, and community resources. Attendees will gain valuable insights and tools to build a connected and resilient community dedicated to the well-being of every student.

 

Presenters

Jennifer Loeffler-Cobia, M.S. is the Justice and Public Health Policy and Practice Director at the WestEd Justice and Prevention Research Center.  She has over 20 years of experience in substance misuse prevention and intervention, public health and prevention, violence prevention, and juvenile and adult criminal justice evidence-based practices.  She is an experienced technical assistance provider who has directed centers such as the National Reentry Resource Center and Children Exposed to Violence TTA Center, both funded by the U.S Department of Justice.

 

Derek Lowry is a Senior Justice Technical Assistance Specialist with a diverse background as a technical consultant, project manager, and policy analyst.  He has been a project manager and implementation specialist on notable reentry-focused and public safety projects.  Lowry also previously served as the co-director of a direct-service reentry nonprofit organization.

Stephan Lambert is the Prevention Coordinator at the Orange County Department of Education. He has seventeen years of experience in substance use prevention, positive youth development, and family and community engagement. In his role at OCDE, he supports schools and districts with training and technical assistance around alcohol, tobacco, and other drug prevention.