The Hope

 

This deck is a gift. We know you have lost people too, that you want to help, and that you are looking for answers. So deal us in. Let us be the ace up your sleeve. If we work together, we can end the overdose crisis.

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No amount of money can make up for thousands of lives lost to preventable overdose deaths and the racist war on drugs. ​Opioid settlement funds come from broken hearts and so must be used respectfully and wisely. 

 

Our lives are not a game but often the deck has felt stacked against us. This deck is a gift of hard won wisdom from people who use drugs and harm reduction leaders. Each card offers a solution that is connected to research, successful programs, and leaders to learn from. 

 

Please, use this deck to guide you. Don't gamble with our futures. 

 

The Numbers

 

The deck is organized by areas we must focus on in order to end the overdose crisis.  

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2: Incarceration

3: Access to Treatment

4: Stimulant & Polysubstance Use

5: Methadone & Medications for Opioid Use Disorder 

6: Syringe Services Programs 

7: Peer Employment 

8: Drug Checking & Safe Supply

9: Pregnancy & Parenting Support

10: Overdose Reversal 

Jack: Innovation in Supply Delivery

Queen: Harm Reduction Education 

King: Housing 

Ace: Centering Race 

Wild Cards: Game Changers 

 

The Heart of it All

 

This deck is dedicated to the harm reduction leaders that have come before us. We’ve needlessly lost too many of you, but we will never forget what you’ve taught us. With love and grief, thank you. 

 

The Team

 

This deck was crafted from brilliance shared in the Ohio Harm Reduction Policy Table and the National Opioid Settlement Coalition, with support from wider the harm reduction community. It draws on the work of countless harm reduction organizations and leaders, which we aim to cite whenever possible. 

 

The project was led by Minister Blyth Barnow, with support from Dana Fleetham, Billy Golden, AmandaLynn Reese, Rollie Martinson, and Tricia Christensen. Special thanks to Tory Howell for her beautiful design work.

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Share With Us

 

We want to hear from you! Was this deck useful? Do you have suggested edits? Reach out to us at info@healoh.org.