Community Harm Reduction Workshop set for Aug. 31

“More people die of opioid overdoses in Wisconsin each year than car crashes,” according to the Oneida County Health Department.

“Opioids are powerful drugs. They include prescription pain relievers, fentanyl, and heroin. Together, we can reduce the dangers of opioids and their impact on our communities.”

All are invited to join a Community Harm Reduction Workshop on Thursday, Aug. 31, to learn more about harm reduction strategies and local resources available.

The event will be presented by Vivent Health.

“Participants will also have an opportunity to learn how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and how to respond, including how to administer NARCAN,” according to a health department press release. “NARCAN Nasal Spray will be available to those who join the NARCAN training. It will be at Nicolet College’s Lakeside Center from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Can’t make the event? No problem. Visit the Dose of Reality website to learn how to provide support to people you care about and how to get help to those who need it.”

Harm reduction strategies include a variety of safer use tips that help reduce harms of substance use for you or someone you love, the release states. Harm reduction does not eliminate all dangers. They can lower the chances of harm such as overdose, infection, disease, and psychological harm. The safest practice is to avoid using drugs altogether. The purpose of harm reduction is to keep people who use substances alive and well.

The Community, Outreach, Prevention and Education (COPE) Coalition supports initiatives that build stigma-free environments focused on hope and healing. Substance use disorders are medical conditions that can be managed.  Contact Jenny Chiamulera, COPE Coalition Coordinator, for more information on local initiatives happening in Oneida County, at 715-369-6186.