Press Release from the New Mexico Direct Caregivers Coalition:
November 15, 2017 – The New Mexico Direct Caregivers Coalition (NMDCC) will develop a curriculum focused on caregiver health and safety in the workplace.
Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the grant will target 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.
“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.”
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.
Trainings are being scheduled now. Contact NMDCC at 505-867-6046 to bring a training to your agency.
For more information, call Brittany Karnezis @ 505-867-6046 or email [email protected]
This is a much needed training to enable caregivers the insight needed to help those we love that are in our care.
Thank you, New Mexico Dieect Caregiver’s Coalition, for providing this.