2017 CIIP Program Book 2017 CIIP Program Book | Page 9

Community Partner: Baltimore Harm Reduction Coalition
Intern: Ami Mange
Site Supervisor: Harriet Smith •
What is the Baltimore Harm Reduction Coalition?
We work to build a local network of health, policy, and social service
students, alumni, and professionals committed to harm reduction
principles, and to serve as a conduit for community involvement, education,
and advocacy in Baltimore and beyond. •
"The Baltimore Harm Reduction Coalition (BHRC) is an organization that
uses an approach consistent with harm reduction principles to combat
issues such as sex work, yet predominantly focuses on drug use. Interning
with BHRC is one of the richest learning experiences I have ever had. The
organization is kept running with help from a dedicated group volunteers,
and has only one staff member. As a result, I was able to closely observe
the workings of a non-profit from a variety of aspects, such as finance and
budgeting, grant writing, fundraising advocacy, education, and
administrative tasks such as restructuring the Advisory Board. One of my
biggest responsibilities was to coordinate and perform Naloxone trainings
to reverse opioid overdose as part of the Overdose Education and
Naloxone Distribution (OEND) Program. I performed trainings for
individuals, groups at various institutions and organizations, and at tabling
events at farmers’ markets and outside establishments such as Red
Emma’s Bookstore Coffeehouse. The tabling outside Red Emma’s allowed
me to work in a location close to several methadone clinics, and therefore
allowed me to communicate di rectly with people close to the issue. One
incredible learning opportunity was working on a collaborative project with
the BRIDGES Coalition to help establish safer drug consumption spaces in
Baltimore. I was able to appreciate the challenge that comes with such a
goal, and learned a lot in the process. The best part of the internship was
the people I had the opportunity to work with, because it is these
passionate, talented, and motivated individuals that drive change in the
community." -Ami
•
•
Performed overdose prevention trainings using
intramuscular Naloxone Hydrochloride across
Baltimore City, as part of the Overdose Education
and Naloxone Distribution (OEND) Program.
Researched public health data on overdose
epidemiology in Maryland, and looked up data on
substance use treatment studies and safer drug
consumption spaces, to assist with grant-writing,
and drafting research summaries for press releases
to influence legislature.
Created marketing materials to spread awareness
about the organization, the issue, events, etc. and
helped with fundraising events and ideas.
Coordinated Naloxone trainings with organizations
and individuals across Baltimore city, set up an
organized system to link trainers to upcoming
trainings, and created a directory of community
associations in all 14 districts to maximize impact
over the city.
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