Bloomberg American Health Initiative
Bloomberg American Health Initiative
Reducing Harm, Saving Lives
Reducing Harm, Saving Lives
Reducing Harm, Saving Lives
Friday 23rd February 2018
Explore harm reduction strategies in the opioid crisis with Haven Wheelock on 'The American Health Podcast'. Learn about needle exchanges, naloxone, and more.
14 minutes
Informative
Hopeful
Compassionate
Engaging
Motivational
About this podcast
Author:
Bloomberg American Health Initiative
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Categories:
Policy & Advocacy
Body & Mind
Financial Health in Recovery
Sexual Stigmas & Myths
Relationships & Community
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Get the buttons here!Saving Lives with Compassion: Harm Reduction in the Opioid Crisis
People who work in harm reduction understand that the best way to establish trusting relationships with people who are actively using drugs is to meet them where they are.
Imagine a world where every person struggling with addiction is met with empathy and practical support. In this episode of 'The American Health Podcast', Haven Wheelock, a Bloomberg Fellow, sheds light on the often-overlooked approach of harm reduction in combating the opioid epidemic. With over 42,000 lives lost to opioid overdoses in 2016 alone, and synthetic opioids like fentanyl driving the crisis, traditional methods of halting supply and increasing treatment access are simply not enough.
Haven shares her hands-on experiences working in harm reduction, explaining how meeting drug users where they are can make a significant difference. Programs like needle exchanges and supervised consumption sites have proven effective in reducing disease spread and fatal overdoses. The widespread distribution of naloxone, an overdose reversal drug, is another critical component in saving lives. This episode goes beyond statistics and policies, emphasizing the human element—treating people with dignity and respect.
Haven's stories illustrate how harm reduction strategies can help stabilize lives, offering a public health approach that prioritizes compassion over condemnation. Whether you're a policy maker, a health professional, or someone interested in innovative solutions to the opioid crisis, this episode provides valuable insights into how harm reduction can pave the way for a healthier future.