As the conversation around psychedelics shifts from underground experimentation to potential therapeutic use, Ohio State University is stepping up to adapt the workforce to these changes. Their Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education (CPDRE) has debuted a program focusing on psychedelic crisis care. The Psychedelic Emergency, Acute, and Continuing Education (PEACE) program is aimed at preparing health care workers and first responders to handle the adverse effects some users may experience, as reported by Ohio State News.
Stacey B. Armstrong of the CPDRE outlined the need for the program, acknowledging the rise in psychedelic use and the gap in information regarding harm reduction. "People have started to learn about the benefits of psychedelics while, at the same time, the federal government categorizes these as controlled substances," Armstrong explained in a statement obtained by Ohio State News. This educational initiative, backed by a $400,000 SOAR Innovation grant, appears timely, as the number of people trying psychedelics increased significantly in recent years.
Funded through the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health, PEACE will pump resources into the state's healthcare and emergency response sectors by delivering seminars and online training. The curriculum is scheduled for sessions in January, March, and July of 2026, equipping top-line workers such as doctors, nurses, social workers, police, and more, with practical guidance on managing a psychedelic-induced crisis.
Access and correctness of information stand central to CPDRE's mission as they enter this new frontier of mental health support. "CPDRE is all about access and affordability," confirmed Tina Romanella, the program's coordinator. According to Angela Douglas, a clinical research coordinator at CPDRE, their partnership with DBH will ensure these resources reach every professional that might need it across Ohio. "We’ve created this content, but its value depends on reaching the people who need it," Douglas told Ohio State News.
With over 127,000 professionals set to enhance their expertise through PEACE, Ohio could become a model for how states respond to the evolving landscape of drug use and mental health. For those interested in learning more about the program or attending the training, the CPDRE encourages inquiries through [email protected].
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