The Council to Prevent Opioid Dependence (CTPOD) is dedicated to preventing opioid dependence and addiction in Rhode Island and the surrounding region. CTPOD will do this through educating the key stakeholders and the public, arming them with the knowledge needed to take effective steps to substantially reduce new instances of substance abuse disorder, and working to reduce the stigma that stands in the way. The Council to Prevent Opioid Dependence will work to advance initiatives and programs to educate the medical community, policy makers, parents, patients, first responders such as police and fire, veterans and the public at large about evidence-based prevention steps, including safe prescribing, and the use of non-opioid pain relief alternatives.