Bloomberg American Health Initiative
Bloomberg American Health Initiative
Harm Reduction for Young People in Portland
Harm Reduction for Young People in Portland
Harm Reduction for Young People in Portland
Thursday 12th September 2024
Explore how harm reduction strategies are making a difference for young people in Portland with insights from Haven Wheelock and Jasmine Pettet.
20 minutes
Informative
Compassionate
Supportive
Hopeful
Educational
About this podcast
Author:
Bloomberg American Health Initiative
Overview:
Categories:
Policy & Advocacy
Body & Mind
Financial Health in Recovery
Sexual Stigmas & Myths
Relationships & Community
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Episodes:
59 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Transforming Lives: Harm Reduction for Youth in Portland
Episode Overview
- Harm reduction focuses on reducing risks and promoting health among people who use drugs.
- Syringe exchange programs and naloxone distribution are key strategies in harm reduction.
- Stigma around drug use creates barriers to accessing harm reduction services.
- Supportive environments and community resilience are crucial for effective harm reduction.
- Policy changes are needed to better address youth substance use.
Harm reduction is like my heart and soul and way of being, if I'm being honest
Ever wondered how harm reduction can make a difference in the lives of young people who use drugs? This episode of The American Health Podcast sheds light on this critical topic, focusing on the innovative work being done in Portland. Bloomberg Fellow Haven Wheelock and her colleague Jasmine Pettet share their extensive experience in harm reduction, providing a heartfelt and informative discussion about their efforts to support young people in the community.
Haven, with nearly 15 years of experience, coordinates a syringe exchange program at Outside In, a non-profit that offers comprehensive services to underserved populations. Jasmine, who has worked with young people for almost two decades, manages a program at Outside In that provides low-barrier substance use support to adolescents using a harm reduction approach. Their stories are filled with personal anecdotes and professional insights that highlight the challenges and successes of implementing harm reduction strategies.
They discuss the stigma associated with drug use, the importance of creating supportive environments, and the need for policy changes to better address youth substance use. If you're curious about how harm reduction can transform lives and communities, this episode is a must-listen. You'll gain a deeper understanding of the philosophy behind harm reduction and why it's such an essential public health tool.