Baltimore Banner’s Post

HarborPath is constantly innovating to find new avenues for ensuring that #Naloxone is available within arm’s reach should an overdose emergency occur. Last year, we partnered with the Pike County School District in eastern Kentucky to supply Naloxone to all schools in a region heavily impacted by the opioid epidemic. By placing these kits of life-saving medication in all Pike County campuses, we aim to ensure that help is always within reach. This approach empowers bystanders to act swiftly and effectively in an emergency. The opioid crisis demands innovative and accessible solutions. Just as schools have adopted defibrillators to combat sudden cardiac arrests, these naloxone emergency kits represent a proactive step in addressing the overdose epidemic. We are committed to making Naloxone as prevalent as other emergency life-saving tools, ensuring that every community has the resources needed to prevent overdose deaths. We look forward to the opportunity to partner with additional districts and schools across the country to make sure they have this critical resource. Patrick Hynes, Sidney Allen Jr., Nicholas McAfee, PhD, Patrick M. Schmidt, @Rhett Hatcher, Karen Kelly, Erin DeLullo, John Kennedy, Dendy Jarrett, Chris Bonny, Donald Stader, James Carroll, Brent Gooden, Ben Coldagelli, APR, Shatterproof, Police Assisted Addiction & Recovery Initiative, Laura Goldberg, Ashley Ales Rice, Ashley Flint, Aya M. Salem, Shannon Clark, MBA, Randy Peterson, Sam Chapman, Heidi McCracken, Sam MacMaster, Mississippi Attorney General's Office, @Mary Bono, Attorney General Alliance

That we can identify the illness and have tools to help treat it but won’t is a shame and an embarrassment. If we are genuinely concerned about preventing overdose deaths, let’s figure out how to get #access to methadone, bupenorphrine, therapy and support to more people who need and deserve a chance. #recoveryispossible #betterpatientcare

This is so frustrating. Money was given in order to enhance existing programs and identify new avenues to help. Instead the money was used to replace existing funding, therefore just allowing money to be shifted around. Where is the accountability? Are there more beds for in-house treatment? Are there more counselors? Are there more social workers? So tired of people claiming that harm reduction does not work when they refuse to evaluate it properly. Fund it like it matters. FUND IT LIKE LIVES DEPEND ON IT. Fund it properly because lives do depend on it.

I have a unique view into how these funds are being allocated in Massachusetts and the outlook is grim. I’ve sat in the planning meetings for several counties and municipalities, and spoken to others that were in the same meetings in other locations. The challenge seems to be lack of perspective. The number sounds large, but when spread around, over many years, it’s actually quite small. I urge everyone to use this money to identify impactful initiatives and ways to fund them in the long term from other funding sources. Don’t spend it on one and done initiatives. Ask the people on the ground what they need, not policy makers or statisticians. Specifically we need ideas around housing, sustained health and wellness, long term aftercare, job training, and ongoing mental health access.

The failure of local, state, and federal government to support establishment of overdose prevention centers and other harm reduction services has a ripple effect that results in widespread inaction and continued increases in overdose and death. Especially since we cannot depend on government to adequately support services to reduce overdoses and deaths attributable to overdose, it is imperative that concerned people work to integrate harm reduction, treatment, and prevention into the infrastructure of our communities. Training for school personnel, first responders, health care workers, residence assistants on college campuses, people working on construction sites, and everywhere people live and work is vital to reduce overdoses and death. A comprehensive continuum of prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery services must be available to all.

BOYS & DRUG ABUSE: The Hook, Cost, Society & Mental Health Drug abuse continues to be a prevalent issue that affects individuals across all demographics, and boys are no exception. While drug abuse affects both genders, boys often find themselves more vulnerable to its grip due to various societal and psychological factors. The lure of drugs, commonly referred to as the hook, presents itself in numerous forms, enticing boys who may be seeking escape or a sense of belonging. However, the costs associated with drug abuse, both on an individual level and for society as a whole, can have lasting consequences on the lives of these young boys. One of the key aspects of drug abuse that affects boys is the sense of connection and acceptance it can provide. Many boys face difficulties in navigating their emotions and finding their place in society, making them susceptible to seeking solace in drugs. The hook of drug abuse can present itself through peer pressure, the desire to fit in, or as a coping mechanism for underlying mental health issues. Boys may find themselves drawn to drugs as a means of escaping their troubles or as a way to gain popularity among their peers, unaware of the destructive path they are treading. The costs of drug abuse extend far beyond the individuals themselves and impact society as a whole. From strained healthcare systems to increased criminal activities, drug abuse places a heavy burden on communities. For young boys, the consequences can be particularly severe, leading to academic setbacks, strained relationships with family and friends, and potential legal troubles. Moreover, the toll on mental health cannot be overlooked. Boys who succumb to drug abuse often face depression, anxiety, and a host of other mental health issues, further perpetuating the cycle of substance abuse. Understanding the hook, costs, societal impact, and effects on mental health is crucial when addressing drug abuse among boys. By providing a supportive environment, accessible resources, and early intervention programs, we can begin to break the cycle and help young boys overcome the challenges they face. How can we as a society better support boys in dealing with their emotions and finding healthier coping mechanisms? What initiatives do you believe would be effective in reducing drug abuse among boys? Let's generate a discussion and share our thoughts in the comments section. For support and more information about the BMAN's "Being A Man Project" click on this safe and secure link https://goto.gg/59064 Ola Akinwe Founder & President Boys Mentoring Advocacy Network-BMAN #boys #males #drugabuse #drugaddiction #drugtrafficking #virals #Charity #BMAN

What a great way to spend opioid settlement dollars!! Before you can expand treatment, prevention and recovery services you actually need a workforce that allows the current providers to function at their licensed capacity. Fix the current system and you will increase access to services!

We had a lot of great momentum on overdose prevention last year, and I’m immensely proud of the work that the Overdose Prevention Initiative and our partners accomplished. But there’s still work to be done, and in 2024, advocates and policymakers must focus on closing the gap in OUD treatment.   In my latest for The Hill, I called on Congress to take three steps to making treatment more accessible: reauthorize and expand the SUPPORT Act, expand access to methadone, and advance the Reentry and Due Process Continuity of Care Acts. Persistent action from Congress is critical to ending the overdose crisis. https://lnkd.in/eDxPmhS5

Jim Verhoye, Ph.D. !!! I literally tapped the comment button on the original post to add a similar remark. Decided to make this a post instead. 👇 Using person-first language is importnat in our work to humanize those who are directly impacted, in this case, by addiction. There's a way to uplift the great work happening while making clear where our values lie in respecting the dignity of individuals. When articles use derogatory terms like 'drug addicts,' it can raise questions about the stance of organizations involved, like the Oregon Health Justice Recovery Alliance or The Just Trust. I beleive that such language reflects the author's choice rather than the values of these organizations. It's imperative to put disclaimers when sharing content that may not align with our values. The Vera Institute of Justice sets a great example with their higher education in prison newsletter, where they preface potentially triggering headlines or stories by reaffirming their commitment to person-first language and even linking to our pledge. If you know me, you know this ain't about calling people out but about learning and growing together. Foundations and journalists have a responsibility to listen and learn from the people on the ground to create a more respectful and informed discourse.

I have a small part in this and I’ll share with you what I said that was cut out for time etc. Data shows we need more post overdose care. We have to make sure we utilize best practices in order to see the best outcomes and by that I mean first responders actually Titrating naloxone and giving oxygen. We also need to be offering MAT while they’re in our care and not after they’re discharged. Some of you won’t like this and I don’t care but data shows abstinence based treatment for OUD is as deadly as no treatment at all. We also need to have subject matter experts at the table when having these discussions. People who are currently using in this day and age. They know the gaps we are missing. They know the barriers. Their experience is crucial to guiding these decisions and their voice is so very important. They know what they need. https://lnkd.in/gcdDYeKD