At OPEN, we believe connection leads to action—which leads to better public health outcomes. From youth engagement to harm reduction, we lead research-based initiatives that educate and engage communities in Michigan and beyond.
These initiatives are central to our mission to deliver transformative solutions through evidence-based research, community partnership, and accessible resources on pain management, substance use, prevention, and more.
OPEN focuses on comfort, recovery, and informed decision-making by providing clear, practical guidance on managing acute pain after surgery. We help patients, families, and clinicians understand opioid and non-opioid pain management options—and how to support healing and a safe return to daily activities.
Use OPEN’s evidence-based prescribing recommendations for tailored pain management after surgery in adult patients.
Learn ways to manage pain after surgery such as: over-the-counter medications, non-medication strategies, and opioids, if prescribed.
Prevention focuses on reducing overdose risk through practical, community-centered strategies. OPEN promotes safe storage and disposal of medications, stigma reduction, and education that supports healthier behaviors and safer environments. Learn how you can take part in OPEN’s prevention efforts.
Comprehensive addiction language guide to reduce use of stigmatizing language.
Harm reduction is a compassionate, person-centered approach to public health that prioritizes safety and dignity. OPEN provides access to naloxone, overdose prevention education, safer use supplies, wound care guidance, and sterile syringes—developed in collaboration with people with lived and living experience.
Learn how to use fentanyl test strips to reduce risk of an overdose.
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a complex health condition that affects millions of people. OPEN supports evidence-based, patient-centered care by providing resources across the continuum of care—including education on risky substance use and surgery, medication for opioid use disorder, and pain management.
Learn more about how risky substance use impacts patients having surgery and best practices for identification and coordination of care for those with risky use.
This free, 3-hour CE course will empower primary care providers to directly impact the opioid epidemic by learning best-practice care strategies.
Opioid use prevention shouldn’t be a lecture—it should be a conversation. OPEN partners with young people to create prevention strategies that are relevant, accessible, and engaging. Explore our youth-focused initiatives, including Painless: The Opioid Musical, the OPEN Teen Education Hub, and youth-led work on pain management after surgery.
Listen to the official cast recording of Painless: The Opioid Musical.
Use this worksheet with your care team to help prepare and manage pain after your surgery.
