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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