Innovative Approaches at the 2024 Kentucky Harm Reduction Summit
A maximum capacity 500 harm reduction care navigators, public health officials, first responders, government leaders, educators, and community advocates gathered at this year's Kentucky Harm Reduction Summit, sponsored by the Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center (KIPRC), to connect, learn, and collaborate toward enhancing public health in Kentucky.
The summit explored new perspectives and approaches to recovery from substance use disorders, emphasizing personalized and holistic recovery models. Participants discussed strategies for preventing substance use disorders and reducing harm, including the use of technology, community-based interventions, and harm reduction techniques.
In the summit’s opening address, KIPRC Research Project Managers Leah Dick, MPH, and Catherine Hines, BA, and Chris Smith, BSN, Overdose Prevention Liaison to the Kentucky Department for Public Health, highlighted the recent launch of the FindMentalHealthNow.org and FindNaloxoneNowKy.org websites as part of the FindHelpNow.org linkage-to-care search tools. They demonstrated how these online resources are instrumental in helping people quickly find treatment for substance use disorder and mental health issues as well as recovery housing and free naloxone, providing attendees with insights into utilizing these platforms for help and support.
Dana Quesinberry, JD, DrPH, principal investigator for data surveillance within the Kentucky Overdose Data to Action program at KIPRC, provided critical data and insights into the current state of drug overdose incidents in the Commonwealth and the effectiveness of ongoing interventions in light of 2023’s 9.8% decrease in drug overdose deaths in the state from 2022 numbers.
Other sessions included a panel discussions on “Harm Reduction in Non-Syringe Service Program (SSP) Counties," which explored innovative solutions tailored to the unique challenges faced by Non-SSP communities. A panel discussion on "Naloxone Distribution and Overdose Response Training" provided attendees with practical skills for administering naloxone and emphasizing the importance of effective overdose response strategies.
The closing address by Shreeta Waldon, MA, LCADC, Executive Director of the Kentucky Harm Reduction Coalition, on " Cultural Catalyst: Igniting Change Through Collective Empowerment" highlighted the evolving landscape of harm reduction policies and practices in the state and stressed the crucial role of advocacy and policy change in improving public health outcomes.
Networking and collaboration opportunities allowed attendees to connect, share knowledge, and exchange best practices. These interactions created a collaborative approach to addressing the opioid crisis and enhancing public health strategies.
“As a community of harm reductionists, we are learning from each other, investigating, asking the questions, searching for answers, breaking barriers and silos, so that we can address so many needs,” shared Phoebe Wheeler-Crum, MA, Harm Reduction Training Coordinator of the Kentucky Department for Public Health.
Looking Forward
Feedback from last year’s summit played a crucial role in shaping this year’s event. Recommendations led to enhanced networking opportunities and a more diverse range of sessions, ensuring that the summit met the needs of all participants.
“I am humbled by the attendees’ continued support, passion, enthusiasm, and desire to learn evidence-based best practices to share with local participants,” shared Wheeler-Crum, who added, “The 2024 Kentucky Harm Reduction Summit Planning Committee looks forward to seeing you in 2025!”
For those interested in learning more about the summit, visit the summit’s website for updates and developments related to the event.
The 2024 Kentucky Harm Reduction Summit is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of cooperative agreement 1 NU17CE010186 totaling $5.4 million with 0% financed with nongovernmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, CDC, HHS, or the U.S. government. For more information, please visit CDC.gov.