National Overdose Awareness Day: When battling addiction, harm reduction services saved me
National Overdose Awareness Day is on August 31st. It’s a time to uplift the memories of the Kentuckians we have lost. They were our friends, family members and neighbors, and they should be here today. Kentuckians should not continue to die of preventable overdoses. Our state has been grappling with the multifaceted issues of substance use disorder, mental health concerns, housing instability and juvenile justice matters. These problems are interconnected, necessitating a comprehensive approach that fosters positive change for generations.
At the age of 13, I had my first experience with the juvenile system.
For 24 years, I suffered from substance use disorder until I was ready and fortunate enough to receive harm reduction services that changed my life. As someone who has been a frontline soldier in the battle against addiction, I am honored to lead the Dream.Org "Public Health is Public Safety Coalition.” This coalition was designed to redefine public safety in Kentucky. Our goal is to provide harm reduction resources, recovery support, housing solutions and youth education to create a safer and more supportive environment. We believe in the power of common ground as a base for building strong solutions, which is why we’ve built this coalition with a diverse range of voices, including law enforcement, those directly impacted, harm reduction specialists, businesses and the faith community.
Through a series of impactful events in Prestonsburg, Lexington, Covington, Louisville and Paducah, we engaged over 300 individuals who are invested in our state's future. The data we gathered from surveys and focus groups are more than numbers – it's a testament to the urgency of the issues at hand. Our findings underscore the need for accessible recovery resources for individuals struggling with substance use disorder and mental health challenges. Housing resources to address homelessness and housing instability, educating our youth about substance use and providing essential resources to our most vulnerable must be a key priority.
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The launch of the Public Health is Public Safety Coalition is about more than identifying problems–it’s about finding solutions. By bringing together a diverse group of Kentuckians committed to drug policy reform, recovery support, reentry assistance, harm reduction, housing solutions and youth advocacy, we're shaping a future that prioritizes the well-being of all residents.
To achieve lasting change, we need every Kentuckian to urge policymakers to champion policies that prioritize our health and well-being. Communities have to come together to support those in need, and businesses must invest in programs that foster recovery and growth. Our coalition's efforts extend beyond one day or initiative. They reflect our commitment to building a better future, preventing overdoses, enhancing lives and leaving a positive legacy for generations to come.
On National Overdose Awareness Day, let compassion, empathy and determination guide us. Let the stories we've heard and the data we've gathered inspire us. Together, let's stand for initiatives that enhance safety, well-being and opportunity for all, recognizing that the power to create a brighter future lies within our collective hands.
John Bowman is Kentucky Campaign Coordinator at Dream.Org
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: National Overdose Awareness Day: harm reduction services saved my life
