Coming into this summer, I was beyond excited to be working with the Baltimore Harm Reduction Coalition( BHRC), though also slightly unsure about a potential future in community-oriented / nonprofit work. I am so happy to say that seven weeks later, my excitement has only grown. My time at BHRC allowed me to discover the various branches of harm reduction-related work, reflect on my future plans, and build countless connections with others who share my values and do incredible work throughout Baltimore. Working at a small nonprofit with only three staff members allowed me to develop strong relationships with BHRC staff and to see the most inner workings of the nonprofit world each day. I am so thankful to have worked alongside the most inspiring people at BHRC and our other partner organizations, and I truly can’ t imagine my summer without them!
• Co-facilitated opioid overdose response trainings as part of the Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution( OEND) program, which uses a harm reduction and health equity framework
• Helped to staff the weekly safer consumption space( SCS) demonstrations, organized by the BRIDGES Coalition, in order to build grassroots support for SCS in Baltimore
• Developed distributable materials based on research of medication-assisted treatment, substance use disorder and health outcomes for LGBTQ / SGL + people, systemic racism and the War on Drugs, and connections between marijuana legalization and the opioid overdose crisis
• Assisted in the development of staff member policies, researched best practices of other community-based organizations, and organized the BHRC personnel manual
One of my main responsibilities was supporting the Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution( OEND) program. Co-facilitating opioid overdose response trainings, though daunting at first, became second nature. I frequently learned more through the questions and thoughts of my audiences. In addition to OEND trainings, I took on a wide range of projects throughout the summer. This variety frequently kept me on my toes but also made it even more enjoyable to come into work every day! I helped to develop staff member policies that are both fair and sustainable and compiled them into a personnel manual. As a student who loves research, I was happy to put together many different fact sheets for BHRC to distribute.
Each week, I helped staff and co-facilitated naloxone trainings at the mock safer consumption space( SCS) organized by the BRIDGES Coalition. I loved being a part of the grassroots movement for bringing SCS to Baltimore and talking with so many community residents about their lives, personal stories, and what they want for Baltimore’ s future. Most recently, I’ ve been helping to plan BHRC’ s End of Summer Celebration, the theme of which is celebrating life and resilience. This is also the larger theme of what my summer has become: celebrating life, recognizing the resilience of Baltimore and its residents, and working towards a more just future for our wonderful city.
Community Partner: Baltimore Harm Reduction Coalition Intern: Reah Vasilakopoulos 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.
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