UTSA professor James Bray collaborates with agencies in Houston to train first responders to detect opioid overdoses and provide treatment.
(March 19, 2019) -- James Bray, professor and chair of the UTSA Department of Psychology, is working on a research project with agencies in Houston to train first responders in how to detect prescription opioid overdoses and provide life-saving outreach services.
Bray is working with the Houston Health Department, Houston Fire Department (HFD), Houston Recovery Center (HRC) and Baylor College of Medicine to teach first responders how to recognize overdoses and misuses of prescription pain relievers, heroin and fentanyl and how to properly administer naloxone, a medication designed to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose.
“This project allows us to mobilize existing resources and expertise in Harris County and the City of Houston to not only train first responders how to administer the proper drug to save lives, but to provide outreach and treatment services for people who overdose on opioids through Houston Recovery Center’s peer recovery and case management services,” said Bray.
Bray explained that opioid addiction impacts millions of Americans from all demographics and this grant will provide opioid overdose victims treated by HFD with treatment services such as, medical assisted therapy, behavioral and psychological treatment and pain management.
The project called, First Responder Opioid Overdose Naloxone Training and Linkage Into Needed Evidence-based Services (FRONTLINES), is supported by a $2 million grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for four years.
According to the most recent data from the Texas Department of State Health Services, there were 239 accidental poisoning deaths where opioids were involved in Houston in 2015 and 1,174 deaths statewide.
In addition to FRONTLINES, Bray is involved in another big research project in Houston. In 2017, Bray received a five-year, $2.6 million grant from SAMHSA to lead a project that provides mental health services and recovery support to high-risk pregnant, postpartum women recovering from substance abuse. The program, called Pregnant and Mothers Postpartum Enhanced Recovery-Oriented Residential Services (PAMPERRS) supplements services provided by Houston’s Santa Maria Hostel.
Bray joined the UTSA Department of Psychology in August 2017. His research interests include family psychology and health, adolescent substance use, and primary care psychology.
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Roadrunner Days events welcome UTSA's newest students and helps our returning Roadrunners learn strategies for success in the new year.
Various locations, Main and Downtown campusesJoin the UTSA contingent as we honor the memory and work of Martin Luther King Jr. in this citywide march. The City of San Antonio has sponsored this march on the east side of the city down MLK Drive since 1987.
MLK Academy, 3501 MLK Drive, San AntonioThis exhibition, curated by Libby Rowe and Scott Sherer, presents the work of women artists who are compelled by their commitments to investigating and transforming social and cultural legacies and contexts.
UTSA Art Gallery (ART 2.03.04), Main CampusUTSA will further honor King with the university's annual MLK Day of Service. Roadrunners are encouraged to participate in the service day, located in various locations, including helping to beautify campus.
Various locations, Main CampusCelebrating the Year of the Rat, the 33rd annual Asian Festival will feature a wide spectrum of Asian cultures with family-friendly events and performances. Enjoy authentic Asian foods with a menu including Vietnamese, Korean, Thai, Pakistani, Chinese and Filipino cuisines. Vendors will sell clothing, artwork, dolls, silk items, jewelry and other exotic gifts.
Institute of Texan Cultures, Hemisfair Campus, 801 E. César E. Chávez Blvd., San AntonioPeniel E. Joseph, founding director of the Center for the Study of Race and Democracy at UT Austin, will discuss his book “The Sword and The Shield,” which focuses on the lives of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X.
Student Union, Denman Room (SU 2.01.28), Main CampusThe Heart Walk will be held at all three campus locations starting at the same time. Support Go Red for Women Day by wearing red.
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