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We know that people who use drugs are beloved by God, so we are letting go of outdated and harmful ideas that equate substance use with sin or lack of willpower.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!
This network is proud to be connected to the Harm Reduction and Overdose Prevention ministry at the national setting. Harm Reduction and Overdose Prevention Ministries – UCC National
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.
Everything You Think You Know About Addiction Is Wrong : Johann Hari, 15min
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, programs 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
The Basics:
Where to Find Additional Information:
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.
Worship Resources & Spiritual Care
Download – Written by Dr. Sharon R. Fennema
Sermon Examples
Support & Community
Naloxone & Overdose Reversal:
Support & Community
Naloxone & Overdose Reversal:
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.
Organizations to Connect To
Ohio
Drug User Organizing
Podcasts
Videos
Books
