FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (04-20-2015)

Harm Reduction Meeting- Wednesday April 22nd 2015

Contact:

Elizabeth A. Ayers, MS

Director of Health & Wellness/PIO

Cabell-Huntington Health Department

Office (304) 523-6483 ext. 258

Fax (304) 523-6482

elizabeth.a.ayers@wv.gov

cabellhealth.org

 

HUNTINGTON, West Virginia. The Regional Health Connect group is working towards the development of a community-based collaboration to design and develop a ‘Harm Reduction Program’, as one mechanism to address substance abuse issues and infectious diseases in Cabell County.

 

There is a strong desire within the community to come together to address this problem.  The objective is to put together a model Harm Reduction Program using a multi-faceted approach.  Along with our partners and the present opportunity, we have established some initial components of such a program that the workgroup can build on and shape as they determine is needed in a short period of time.

 

We have outlined initial thoughts on the components needed to create an effective Harm Reduction Program utilizing the multi-faceted approach.   If your agency is involved in any of these initiatives this is an opportunity for you to be at the table.  It is also possible that you see another component that is needed based on your area of work and needs to be added to the list below.

 

The Harm Reduction workgroup will be meeting this Wednesday, April 22 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Cabell-Huntington Health Department.  Lunch will be provided.  The outcome of this meeting will be a set of actionable next steps and a plan to move this effort forward.

 

Some of the components/subgroups we will be developing include but are not limited to:

    • Logistics & Resource Development
    • Syringe Exchange Program
    • Recovery Coaches
    • Substance Abuse Treatment Programs
    • Infectious Disease Surveillance
    • Naloxone Education
    • Community Education
        • Public
        • Target Population
    • Communication & Media
    • Environmental Waste/Community & Park Surveillance
    • Funding/Development
    • Evaluation
    • Additional items will be developed by the group

If you would like to attend this event please contact Casey Napier to register or for more information (304) 523-6483 x 277.

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Harm Reduction Program

AGENDA

Location: Cabell-Huntington Health Department

Date: April 22, 2015

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.                                  Welcome & Introductions

                                                                       Overview of the Agenda

                                                           Tim Hazelett, CHHD Administrator

10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.                                 Defining Program Elements                                                                        All

11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.                                  Defining Breakout Workgroups                                                  All

11:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.                                  Break

11:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.                                  Setting the Stage for Breakout Workgroups-Defining Output           All

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11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.                                    Breakout Group Strategizing (working lunch provided)

1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.                                      Breakout Group Report Out

1:45 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.                                      Next Steps & Adjourn

Harm Reduction Meeting- Wednesday April 22nd