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Fentanyl Test Strips Are an Easy Way to Save Lives

Carl Smith

January 24, 2024 |

Governing |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States

Several states are changing their drug paraphernalia laws, making it legal to possess fentanyl test strips which allow those who use drugs to test them for fentanyl. Fentanyl test strips are a means of harm reduction that allows the person to make informed decisions about their drug use in an effort to reduce fatal drug overdoses.

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An Overdose Antidote Goes Viral

Elizabeth Hewitt

January 04, 2024 |

Reasons to be Cheerful |

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Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Middletown, New York

Studies show that people who received at least one dose of naloxone following an opioid overdose are 11 times more likely to survive. In response, state policies and community-level programs and organizations are working to make naloxone accessible to those who need it. Today, naloxone can be found in grocery stores, gas stations, provided at events like concerts and community spaces like libraries.

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In One Community, Faith-based Services Fill the Gaps When Government Can't – or Won't

Taylor Sisk Laura Harbert Allen

December 13, 2023 |

100 Days in Appalachia |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Charleston, West Virginia

The Bream Memorial Presbyterian Church works with other area organizations to help locals facing a range of challenges, from food insecurity to addiction. The efforts particularly focus on Black residents to fill the void left by local, state and federal government agencies. The church provides support and necessary supplies through its Showers, Health Care and Outreach Program (SHOP), as well as domestic violence counseling, housing assistance and addiction treatment.

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What will it take for Arizona's gay bars to stop overdoses?

Joseph Darius Jaafari

October 24, 2023 |

LOOKOUT Phx |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Phoenix, Arizona

In an effort to combat overdoses in the LGBTQ+ community, some local spaces — like gay bars — are carrying Narcan. While not every gay bar in the area is on board with carrying Narcan, there are several individuals and local organizations working to push these venues to make a change and helping to ensure people who need it can access the potentially life-saving drug if they need it.

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A Different Kind of Grief

Larry Beresford

September 14, 2023 |

MindSite News |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philly HEALs is a free bereavement support program for people who have lost a loved one to a fatal overdose. The program offers grief counseling and peer support groups for families, teens and children, allowing them a safe space to talk about their experiences and find community among others who can relate.

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Harm Reduction: Is it saving lives, or helping enable addicts?

Jenna Zibton

September 12, 2023 |

WSLS-TV |

Multi-Media |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Roanoke, Virginia

The Virginia Harm Reduction Coalition (VHRC) uses harm reduction strategies to help those suffering from addiction by providing free supplies like overdose reversal spray, safe smoking kits and clean syringes, as well as connection to education and treatment options when people are ready. Those who access services through a harm reduction program are five times more likely to enter treatment programs. Last year alone, the VHRC distributed more than 20,000 doses of Narcan which they know reversed at least 2,000 overdoses.

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As Indigenous Youth, We Know Peer Overdose Education Is Vital

Sarina Lyons Taliah Lyons Zara Lyons Ayla Martin

August 03, 2023 |

Native News Online |

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Under 800 Words

Response Location: Canada, Ontario

Talk Overdose provides peer-delivered education to youth in seventh to twelfth grade about overdose prevention. The group of teens also provides naloxone training, hosts guest speakers and interactive workshops that teach empathetic listening skills. Talk Overdose was formed in 2021 and has since reached over 1,500 youth across the country and has stated to offer Indigenous culture workshops, as a connection to culture has shown to have a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing.

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Peer Support work serves as an innovative and vital part of mental health recovery

Natasha Robinson

July 17, 2023 |

Second Wave Michigan |

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Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Battle Creek, Michigan

Agencies like the SHARE Center are beginning to hire peer support specialists, who are individuals who have lived experience of recovery from mental health conditions and substance use disorders. Peer support specialists provide non-clinical, strengths-based support and build trusting relationships with those in need of care. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for peer support specialists has grown exponentially and reports show that working with a peer support specialist can improve health outcomes and quality of life among other benefits.

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Once-Resistant Rural Court Officials Begin to Embrace Medications to Treat Addiction

Taylor Sisk

June 29, 2023 |

KFF Health News |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Dandridge, Tennessee

Amidst the ever-present opioid crisis, there has been a shift among judges, prosecutors and law enforcement agencies beginning to let go of the stigma associated with medication for opioid use disorder. As of 2022, more than 90% of drug courts in communities with high opioid mortality rates have reported that they allow medications to be used to treat addiction. Some areas have also seen the emergence of drug recovery courts that specialize in helping people facing addiction get treatment, rather than jail time.

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In Texas, a rare program offers hope for some of the most vulnerable women and babies

Katia Riddle

June 28, 2023 |

NPR |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, San Antonio, Texas

Casa Mía provides housing and support services for pregnant women and new mothers struggling with addiction. The program is run out of an old house and is currently home to nine women. Staff at Casa Mía provide mental health care, recovery resources and work to destigmatize substance abuse to prevent mothers from losing their children to the foster care system.

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