Resilient Futures: Opioid Prevention in Schools |
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Supporting Rural Montana Schools Through Prevention, Training & Student Wellness
MTPLC Awarded Funding Through the Montana Opioid Abatement Trust
The Montana Professional Learning Collaborative (MTPLC) was recently awarded the Montana Opioid Abatement Trust (MOAT) Region 5 grant. The objective of this funding is to support opioid prevention programming and student wellness initiatives in Lincoln, Mineral, and Sanders County schools.
This initiative strengthens school-based prevention systems in rural communities by providing evidence-informed programming, staff training, crisis preparedness, and coordinated mental health supports for students, families, and educators.
Why This Work Matters
Montana schools play a critical role in opioid prevention and early intervention. Research consistently shows that youth substance-use prevention begins upstream by strengthening:
MTPLC’s work focuses on helping schools build sustainable systems that reduce risk factors before substance misuse begins.
Available School Supports
CharacterStrong Curriculum & Training
Evidence-informed prevention curriculum focused on:
CharacterStrong helps schools strengthen protective factors linked to reduced substance-use risk.
Rachel’s Challenge
School climate and culture programming designed to:
Programming includes assemblies, student leadership initiatives, and ongoing prevention resources for schools.
PREPaRE Crisis Prevention & Response Training
Professional learning for school staff focused on:
PREPaRE training helps schools strengthen response systems while improving staff readiness to support students experiencing crisis or substance-related concerns.
Mental Health Resource Navigation & Coaching
MTPLC provides direct consultation and implementation support to schools through its Mental Health Resource Navigator and Training & Professional Learning Specialist.
Support includes:
This systems-level support helps rural schools build long-term prevention capacity.
Opioid & Naloxone Education
In partnership with Overdose Lifeline, MTPLC is expanding:
These trainings help increase community awareness and preparedness while reducing stigma around prevention and recovery supports.
MTPLC’s Approach
MTPLC partners with schools to build prevention systems that are:
Rural-Focused
Designed specifically for Montana’s rural, remote, and frontier communities.
Sustainable
Integrated into existing MTSS and school safety frameworks.
Relationship-Based
Focused on collaboration, coaching, and ongoing implementation support.
Prevention-Oriented
Centered on early intervention, resiliency, and student well-being.
MTPLC’s mission is to strengthen schools and communities through high-quality professional learning, collaborative leadership, and evidence-based supports.
Learn More About Available Support
Schools, districts, and community partners interested in learning more about available prevention programming, training, and student support services are encouraged to connect with MTPLC.
Contact:
Jessica Johnson
[email protected]
MTPLC Awarded Funding Through the Montana Opioid Abatement Trust
The Montana Professional Learning Collaborative (MTPLC) was recently awarded the Montana Opioid Abatement Trust (MOAT) Region 5 grant. The objective of this funding is to support opioid prevention programming and student wellness initiatives in Lincoln, Mineral, and Sanders County schools.
This initiative strengthens school-based prevention systems in rural communities by providing evidence-informed programming, staff training, crisis preparedness, and coordinated mental health supports for students, families, and educators.
Why This Work Matters
Montana schools play a critical role in opioid prevention and early intervention. Research consistently shows that youth substance-use prevention begins upstream by strengthening:
- Student connectedness
- Positive peer relationships
- Emotional regulation
- Resilience and coping skills
- School climate and belonging
- Early identification and support systems
MTPLC’s work focuses on helping schools build sustainable systems that reduce risk factors before substance misuse begins.
Available School Supports
CharacterStrong Curriculum & Training
Evidence-informed prevention curriculum focused on:
- Emotional regulation
- Decision-making skills
- Healthy coping strategies
- Peer relationships
- School connectedness
- Student resilience
CharacterStrong helps schools strengthen protective factors linked to reduced substance-use risk.
Rachel’s Challenge
School climate and culture programming designed to:
- Reduce bullying and isolation
- Promote kindness and belonging
- Strengthen peer support systems
- Increase student engagement
- Support prevention and resilience
Programming includes assemblies, student leadership initiatives, and ongoing prevention resources for schools.
PREPaRE Crisis Prevention & Response Training
Professional learning for school staff focused on:
- Crisis preparedness
- Trauma-informed response
- Early warning sign identification
- Recovery-informed practices
- Prevention and intervention systems
PREPaRE training helps schools strengthen response systems while improving staff readiness to support students experiencing crisis or substance-related concerns.
Mental Health Resource Navigation & Coaching
MTPLC provides direct consultation and implementation support to schools through its Mental Health Resource Navigator and Training & Professional Learning Specialist.
Support includes:
- Needs assessments
- MTSS alignment
- Prevention planning
- Resource coordination
- Staff coaching
- Implementation support
- Behavioral health consultation
- Sustainability planning
This systems-level support helps rural schools build long-term prevention capacity.
Opioid & Naloxone Education
In partnership with Overdose Lifeline, MTPLC is expanding:
- Opioid awareness education
- Fentanyl awareness
- Overdose recognition training
- Harm reduction education
- Naloxone (NARCAN) response readiness
These trainings help increase community awareness and preparedness while reducing stigma around prevention and recovery supports.
MTPLC’s Approach
MTPLC partners with schools to build prevention systems that are:
Rural-Focused
Designed specifically for Montana’s rural, remote, and frontier communities.
Sustainable
Integrated into existing MTSS and school safety frameworks.
Relationship-Based
Focused on collaboration, coaching, and ongoing implementation support.
Prevention-Oriented
Centered on early intervention, resiliency, and student well-being.
MTPLC’s mission is to strengthen schools and communities through high-quality professional learning, collaborative leadership, and evidence-based supports.
Learn More About Available Support
Schools, districts, and community partners interested in learning more about available prevention programming, training, and student support services are encouraged to connect with MTPLC.
Contact:
Jessica Johnson
[email protected]