Harm Reduction and Overdose Prevention Network

Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky continue to lose thousands of loved ones each year to largely preventable overdose deaths. As people of faith we know that it doesn’t have to be this way. Together we are coming together to learn, heal, and act.

We know that people who use drugs are beloved by God, so we are letting go of outdated and harmful ideas that equate substance use with sin or lack of willpower. Instead we lean into the lessons of the Gospel and seek to support our loved ones in their wholeness with compassion, unconditional love, and an eye towards justice. Join us!

For more information, contact Minister Blyth Barnow at blyth@healoh.org. This network is proud to be connected to the Harm Reduction and Overdose Prevention ministry at the national setting.

Education

Introducing Being the Church: Loving People Who Use Drugs and Preventing Overdose

This 7 week small group curriculum includes education on substance use, overdose, and people who use drugs. More importantly it supports us in our own healing so we can save lives and love more deeply. While the curriculum is designed to be done in a small group setting it can be completed individually as well. If you have any questions please contact Minister Blyth Barnow at blyth@healoh.org.

Everything You Think You Know About Addiction Is Wrong : Johann Hari, 15min

Graphics from The Spirit of Harm Reduction: A Toolkit for Faith Communities Facing Overdose used with permission by Faith in Harm Reduction

Graphics from The Spirit of Harm Reduction: A Toolkit for Faith Communities Facing Overdose used with permission by Faith in Harm Reduction

What Is Harm Reduction?

“Harm reduction refers to policies, programmes and practices that aim to minimize negative health, social and legal impacts associated with drug use, drug policies and drug laws. Harm reduction is grounded in justice and human rights – it focuses on positive change and on working with people without judgment, coercion, discrimination, or requiring that they stop using drugs as a precondition of support.”

– Harm Reduction International

Harm Reduction Principles

Harm Reduction Coalition

Drug Policy Alliance

Harm Reduction Therapy Center

Changing The Narrative, Resource for the Media

The War On [People Who Use] Drugs

The war on drugs is a racialized and racist campaign led by the U.S. federal government that has lead to the incarceration and death of millions people, especially people of color.

History of the War on Drugs

Drug War Statistics

Race and the Drug War

Care

Worship Resources & Spiritual Care

Spirit of Harm Reduction: Toolkit

Faith In Harm Reduction Resources

Download – Written by Dr. Sharon R. Fennema

Download

Sermon Examples

Rev. Erica Poellot: Spirit of Harm Reduction Sermon

Minister Blyth Barnow: Naloxone Saves

Harm Reduction Sermon Series: Fr. Luis Barrios

Support & Community

Alcoholics Anonymous

Narcotics Anonymous

Smart Recovery

Harm Reduction Works Meetings

Naloxone & Overdose Reversal:

Where Can I Find Naloxone?

Where Can I Find Fentanyl Test Strips?

Recognizing An Opiate Overdose

How To Respond To An Opiate Overdose

NEXT Naloxone is an online opioid overdose responder training site that includes mail-based naloxone distribution at no cost to people who use drugs or individuals most likely to be first responders in a opioid overdose incident. We are dedicated to ensuring access to naloxone regardless of one’s ability to travel, self-advocate, or afford the life-saving medication.