Substance Use Risk Reduction Peer Health Educators

Our Programs

Highs, Lows, and What You Should Know: Mental Health and Stress Management

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.

    Check out our drop in hours below!

    Resources:

    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!

    • Naloxone kits​
      • 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.
    • Fentanyl Test Strips​
      • Quick-use strips that can detect fentanyl in substances when diluted in water, reducing the risk of overdose and supporting safer choices.
    • Drug Deactivation kits​
      • Simple tool to safely dispose of unused medications, reducing the risk of misuse.
    • Disposable and reusable drink covers​
      • Protect your drink from tampering with options like single-use sticker covers or reusable cloth covers.
    • BAC cards​
      • 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. 
    • Educational handouts​
      • Clear, student-friendly pamphlets that explain harm-reduction strategies and key facts about alcohol, cannabis, opioids, and more!
    Meet the SUP team!

    Picture of Jasmine

    • Name: Jasmine ​
    • Pronouns: she/her/hers​
    • Semester: 8th​
    • Semester as a PHE: 4th​
    • Major: Physiology and Neurobiology​
    • Hobbies: I love to run, write songs andpoetry, and I love online shopping!​
    • Why did you join the SUP team?: I joinedthe Substance Use Risk ReductionPHE’s to aid students with theresources and opportunities that I wish Ihad my first few years as anundergraduate.

    Picture of Anu

    • Name: Anulekha ​
    • Pronouns: she/her/hers​
    • Semester: 6th​
    • Semester as a PHE: 2nd​
    • Major: Physiology and Neurobiology​
    • Hobbies: Reading, dancing, listening tomusic, and going out to eat!​
    • Why did you join the SUP team?: Ibecame a Substance Use RiskReduction Peer Health Educatorbecause I care deeply about supportingmy community, especially when itcomes to stigmatized topics likesubstance use.​

    Picture of Kayla

    • Name: Kayla​
    • Pronouns: she/her/hers​
    • Semester: 6th​
    • Semester as a PHE: 4th​
    • Major: Allied Health Sciences​
    • Hobbies: African Dance, Gym, watchingshows and spending time with friendsand families​
    • Why did you join the SUP team?:Passion for public health and educatingothers on ways to reduce their risk.There's power in representation peersare 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 joinedthe program because I saw its potentialto make a huge difference in many lives!​

    Picture of Zosia

    • 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 joinedthe Substance Use Risk ReductionPHEs to support and educate my fellowhuskies on topics surrounding healthand substance use!​

    Picture of Pam

    • 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.

    Picture of Keclia

    • 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 thatsubstances are often disregarded but simultaneouslyaffect many individuals. Providing knowledge andresources about substances allows students oncampus to make informed decisions regardingsubstances which enables them to help themselves orothers who are seeking extra support. ​

    Collaborate with us!​

    Have an idea? Want to collaborate? Contact Audrey Jean-Guillaume at audrey.jean-guillaume@uconn.edu.