(Photo from End It For Good)
- In the first year of End It For Good’s program, 10 support groups are planned to reach 200 families. Funding for the program comes from the Opioid Settlement Fund.
Families affected by the abuse of opioids or other forms of substance abuse in Mississippi are encouraged to pre-register for an upcoming statewide support program that will be available in-person and virtually.
The program is part of the work by End It For Good, a non-profit that uses evidence-based methods to address drug addiction.
Starting Monday, families across the state can pre-register for substance use disorder skills training and support groups. The first three online skills training modules will begin in the middle of November, with nine more modules and support group meetings slated for early 2027.
“As a mother who has supported her son through many years of struggle,” said Christi Berrong-Barber. “I often felt alone. We spend a lot of time talking about how to help the person struggling, but we don’t always recognize that their family needs support, too. I believe this program will help families feel less alone and give them practical tools to navigate the challenges of substance use disorder.”
The modules and support groups will include “practical guidance, evidence-based skills training, and peer connection” for participants.
Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) will be the basis for the curriculum, which utilizes a behavioral science framework.
Support group meetings will be available across the state, with in-person meetings offered in higher populations areas such as the Jackson metro and on the Gulf Coast. Those who live in rural areas or have difficulty attending meetings can attend the support groups virtually. The goal is to hold 10 support groups that will reach 200 family members in the first year. Plans to expand the number of support groups into 2027 are underway.
“The program will equip family members with tools including how to reinforce healthy behavior, reduce reinforcement of substance use, utilize strategic communication, and improve family wellbeing,” said Family Support Services Director Michelle Grawe.
Pre-registration can be completed here.
Funding for the program comes from the Opioid Settlement Fund. Under HB 1924, End It for Good received $200,000 for the purpose of providing “evidence based family and community support services in the state, including skills training and to facilitate regular meetings of peer support groups.”
