Substance Use Risk Reduction Peer Health Educators
Our Programs
Highs, Lows, and What You Should Know
Compete in a team-based trivia and discussion-style game that tests your knowledge about alcohol and cannabis. Trivia topics include BAC, THC potency and tolerance, risk reduction strategies, ways to help your friends stay safe, and resources on campus!
Naloxone & Substance Use Emergencies Training
Participate in an engaging presentation and activity to learn the signs of opioid emergency and how to respond using naloxone. You will also learn the signs of alcohol, cannabis, and stimulant emergencies and be equipped with knowledge to effectively respond.
Create a Drink: Know Your Pour
Participate in this hands-on learning activity to build your understanding of the standard drink size for alcoholic beverages, while simultaneously learning some risk reduction strategies.
Peer Support Drop-in Hours
Peer Support Drop-In Hours provide students with a free, anonymous, non-judgmental space to have open conversations about anything related to substance-use. Our Peer Health Educators undergo training in several topics including harm-reduction and evidence-based approaches to peer support. The SUP peer health-educators are supervised by a SHaW professional staff member and are required to attend weekly staff meetings for continuing education. SUP employees are exempt employees under UConn’s Title IX Reporting Obligations.
Our Resources
General overview: Along with educating UConn students, we aim to empower informed choices and reduce risk. These harm-reduction resources are available at our programs, events, tabling, and Wilson Hall. Our goal is to help students stay safer and make decisions that work for you!
Free kits include two doses of naloxone and easy-to-follow instructions to reverse an opioid overdose. Training is available to help you feel confident when using it in an emergency.
Quick-use strips that can detect fentanyl in substances when diluted in water, reducing the risk of overdose and supporting safer choices.
Simple tool to safely dispose of unused medications, reducing the risk of misuse.
Protect your drink from tampering with options like single-use sticker covers or reusable cloth covers.
Wallet-sized cards that estimate Blood Alcohol Content/Concentration (BAC) based on standard drink sizes, body weight, and sex assigned at birth, helping you better understand your experience when drinking alcohol and reducing risk of alcohol poisoning.
Clear, student-friendly pamphlets that explain harm-reduction strategies and key facts about alcohol, cannabis, opioids, and more!
Meet the SUP team!
- Name: Jasmine
- Pronouns: she/her/hers
- Semester: 8th
- Semester as a PHE: 4th
- Major: Physiology and Neurobiology
- Hobbies: I love to run, write songs and poetry, and I love online shopping!
- Why did you join the SUP team?: I joined the Substance Use Risk Reduction PHE’s to aid students with the resources and opportunities that I wish I had my first few years as an undergraduate.
- Name: Anulekha
- Pronouns: she/her/hers
- Semester: 6th
- Semester as a PHE: 2nd
- Major: Physiology and Neurobiology
- Hobbies: Reading, dancing, listening to music, and going out to eat!
- Why did you join the SUP team?: I became a Substance Use Risk Reduction Peer Health Educator because I care deeply about supporting my community, especially when it comes to stigmatized topics like substance use.
- Name: Kayla
- Pronouns: she/her/hers
- Semester: 6th
- Semester as a PHE: 4th
- Major: Allied Health Sciences
- Hobbies: African Dance, Gym, watching shows and spending time with friends and families
- Why did you join the SUP team?: Passion for public health and educating others on ways to reduce their risk. There’s power in representation peers are more likely to relate to me!
- Name: Nina
- Pronouns: she/her/hers
- Semester: 6th
- Semester as a PHE: 4th
- Major: Philosophy
- Hobbies: Cooking, doing logic puzzles, and anything musical!
- Why did you join the SUP team?: I joined the program because I saw its potential to make a huge difference in many lives!
- Name: Zosia
- Pronouns: she/her/hers
- Semester: 4th
- Semester as a PHE: 2nd
- Major: Allied Health Science
- Hobbies: Working out, making jewelry, yoga, and hanging with friends!
- Why did you join the SUP team?: I joined the Substance Use Risk Reduction PHEs to support and educate my fellow huskies on topics surrounding health and substance use!
- Name: Pam
- Pronouns: she/her/hers
- Semester: 7th
- Semester as a PHE: 4th
- Major: Psychological Sciences
- Hobbies: Learning languages, reading, and traveling
- Why did you join the SUP team?: I joined because substance use is not only a health issue but also a reflection of systemic attitudes toward people. The stigma surrounding it often limits open dialogue and access to care. Through harm reduction and safety education, I want to help make those conversations safer and more real on campus.
- Name: Kecelia
- Pronouns: she/her/hers
- Semester: 4th
- Semester as a PHE: 2nd
- Major: Natural Resources
- Hobbies: Gym, volleyball, baking, hiking, oil pastels, and animals!
- Why did you join the SUP team?: I believe that substances are often disregarded but simultaneously affect many individuals. Providing knowledge and resources about substances allows students on campus to make informed decisions regarding substances which enables them to help themselves or others who are seeking extra support.
Collaborate with us!
Have an idea? Want to collaborate? Contact Audrey Jean-Guillaume at audrey.jean-guillaume@uconn.edu.
