Harm Reduction Services at OneEighty: A Pathway to Recovery
Harm reduction is a critical approach in the world of addiction recovery, offering a practical and compassionate strategy to support individuals on their recovery journey. At OneEighty, harm reduction is more than just a set of practices – it’s a daily commitment to empathy, understanding, and the belief that everyone deserves a chance to improve their lives, regardless of where they are on their recovery journey.
To better understand how harm reduction works at OneEighty, we spoke with three key members of the Partnership for a Drug Free Wayne/Holmes Counties’ Harm Reduction Committee: Josh Hunt, Director of the MEDWAY Drug Enforcement Agency; Tod Carmony, a retired businessman who has played a pivotal role in the Wayne County Opioid Task Force; and Stacey Beun, an RN and the director of the med-surg floor at Wooster Community Hospital, where the alcohol and other drug addiction medical stabilization program is based.
The entire Harm Reduction Committee plays a crucial role in shaping OneEighty’s harm reduction services, providing a comprehensive, empathetic approach to care that meets people where they are.
What is Harm Reduction?
Harm reduction refers to a range of public health policies designed to reduce the negative consequences associated with drug use and other high-risk behaviors. Rather than focusing solely on abstinence, harm reduction strategies aim to minimize harm and promote health, dignity, and human rights. This approach acknowledges that only some people are ready or able to stop using substances immediately but still deserve access to services that can improve their quality of life, or possibly save their lives.
Harm reduction strategies can include naloxone distribution, education on safer drug use, and possibly needle exchange. These interventions are often seen as a bridge, providing essential support and resources to individuals as they consider or transition into recovery.
The Committee Behind Harm Reduction Strategies at OneEighty
Behind the success of OneEighty’s harm reduction efforts is the Harm Reduction Committee, a dedicated group of professionals passionate about making a difference. This committee brings together a diverse range of expertise, from medical professionals to counselors and community advocates, all working towards the common goal of reducing harm and supporting recovery.
Josh Hunt, Director of MEDWAY Drug Enforcement Agency
Josh Hunt, the Director of the MEDWAY Drug Enforcement Agency, plays a pivotal role in harm reduction efforts, mainly through his involvement with the Overdose Fatality Review Board. Hunt’s commitment to harm reduction is evident in his proactive approach to enforcement and prevention. He emphasizes the importance of addressing addiction as a disease, noting, “It’s the same with mental health. We get people who have schizophrenia, and they get on their medications, and they’re doing great. And all of a sudden, the medications are working, and they’re feeling good and think they don’t need them anymore. And then here we go. We spiral out of control. Addiction is no different. And I think that is a difficult thing to recognize.”
Josh advocates for early education and intervention, especially in schools, and is a strong proponent of having naloxone readily available despite the resistance from some educational institutions. He shares, “I can’t believe the pushback we’re getting from the schools of not having access to naloxone… It’s like everything, unfortunately, nothing happens fast. And we’re going to have to continue to have voices in the room and continue to have those conversations and hope for a little bit of change.”
He also highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in connecting individuals to treatment, stressing the need for a more streamlined process: “The process to get them there is so time-consuming, and we miss that window.” The State of Ohio developed a program called BRIDGE (Bridging Recovery & Interdiction Data Gathering Enforcement) which combines law enforcement and substance use treatment resources in a coordinated effort to focus on reduction of supply and demand while also offering treatment options. BRIDGE Day in Wayne County partnered MEDWAY and OneEighty peer supporters to reach out to persons with a substance use disorder. Josh’s work exemplifies his dedication to offer support before an individual becomes entangled in the legal system and underscores the necessity of collaboration between law enforcement, health services, and community organizations to combat the substance abuse crisis effectively.
Stacey Beun, Registered Nurse and Director of Medical-Surgery at Wooster Hospital
Stacey Beun is a registered nurse with a master’s degree in nursing leadership and serves as the director on the med-surg floor at Wooster Community Hospital. She is actively involved in the harm reduction committee in her community and works closely with OneEighty on various initiatives. She explains, “When I think of harm reduction, it’s if they’re going to use, how can they use and not overdose and harm themselves or others? So, whether it’s using together, clean needles, all those different kinds of things.” Stacey is key in distributing Narcan kits and integrating harm reduction practices into hospital protocols.
Her dedication to harm reduction services is deeply personal, driven by a tragic family experience with addiction. She candidly shares, “Why am I fighting for it? This was just like two years ago. My cousin’s son was addicted to drugs, and we tried and tried to get him help. He wouldn’t go, and he OD’d. And left two little girls behind.” Her efforts, alongside OneEighty, are instrumental in advancing harm reduction strategies in Wayne and Holmes counties.
Tod Carmony, Former Chairman of the Opioid Task Force in Wayne County
Tod Carmony is a retired businessman in Wooster, Ohio. He also served as a military officer in the National Guard, retiring in 2011. After his retirement, Tod became involved with what at the time was called the Opioid Task Force in Wayne County, eventually becoming its chairman. This group is now known as the Partnership for a Drug Free Wayne/Holmes Counties and is chaired by OneEighty Executive Director, Bobbi Douglas. Tod’s involvement stemmed from a desire to understand and address the opioid crisis despite having no direct personal stake in it. He remains engaged in public policy and harm reduction efforts due to his ongoing interest in tackling complex societal issues.
“Harm reduction is love and compassion for people that have a substance abuse problem,” according to Tod. He views it as an approach to reduce the harm caused by drug use both to individuals and the community, emphasizing a compassionate and practical response to substance abuse.
Other important Harm Reduction Committee members include:
- Bobbi Douglas, Executive Director, OneEighty
- Heather Dean, Program Director, Mental Health and Recovery Board
- Nicole Williams, Executive Director, Mental Health and Recovery Board
- Rhiannon Whalen-Harris, Director of Prevention, Community Relations and Victim Services, OneEighty, Inc.
- Nonya Wenger, Residential Peer Recovery Manager, OneEighty
- Jill Adams, Outpatient Peer Support Supervisor, OneEighty
- Nick Cascarelli, Ed.D., Commissioner, Wayne County Health Department
- Patty Reining, Director of Nursing, Wayne County Health Department
The Role of Harm Reduction at OneEighty
The impact of harm reduction strategies in the recovery journey cannot be overstated. By focusing on reducing harm rather than demanding immediate abstinence, these strategies help build trust between individuals and service providers. This trust is essential in encouraging individuals to seek further help and support when they’re ready.
OneEighty’s commitment to harm reduction strategies reflects a broader understanding of addiction recovery as a multifaceted issue. By offering services that address immediate needs and provide a pathway to recovery, OneEighty helps individuals reclaim their lives and build a healthier future.
“People that are substance users are people, and they’re deserving of our compassion,” explains Tod. “And they deserve an opportunity to rid themselves of the affliction that they have. And we, as a community, should be involved in that.”
Josh echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the need to get out into the community and provide essential resources and support. “During BRIDGE Days, we went around and had naloxone with us. We had one person who stated they were willing to go into treatment, and we were able to facilitate meeting with them and getting the information in front of them.”
OneEighty’s Harm Reduction Services
OneEighty and other community agencies offer various harm reduction services designed to address the immediate needs of individuals while also providing pathways to further support and recovery. Some of the key services include:
Naloxone Distribution: OneEighty, along with other community partners, provides access to naloxone, a life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses. They empower individuals and communities to respond effectively in emergencies through training and distribution.
“We’ve come a long way with Narcan. For a while, we would get a lot of pushback from our administration, but I think everybody’s come around through us having the program for a long time, but now they’re actually allowing it, and they’re all on board,” shares Stacey. “We’re getting Narcan kits to give to all of our opiate patients at discharge. Narcan distribution in the community is happening, and at the hospital, we do not have comfort kits or clean needle programs yet.”
Education: Understanding the risks associated with substance use is crucial for those in recovery. OneEighty offers educational information covering topics like safer drug use practices, overdose prevention, don’t use alone, and seeking medical care.
Josh emphasizes the importance of early education programs, “And it should be mandatory that, you know, these kids and people should sit through this program. It’s just one of those things. But we have kids now that they have access to everything. I have a ten-year-old that says stuff that I’m just like, how in the world do you know this at ten years old?” He continues, “Because of that, we need to have more conversations at younger ages and more education at younger ages because by the time we’re hitting junior high and high school, these kids have already been exposed to so much, whether it’s through social media, whether it’s through friend groups, whether it’s at home even, that, we’ve really lost a step.”
Supportive Counseling: Harm reduction isn’t just about the physical aspects of substance use; it’s also about mental and emotional well-being. OneEighty provides supportive counseling services to help individuals address the underlying issues that contribute to substance use and guide them toward healthier choices. “Supportive counseling is crucial. It helps individuals address their emotional and psychological challenges, providing them with tools and strategies to navigate their recovery journey,” emphasizes Tod.
OneEighty is Leading the Charge in Harm Reduction and Community Advocacy
In Wooster and the surrounding communities, OneEighty, along with our community partners, is at the forefront of a vital shift in approaching addiction and recovery. Through our dedicated committee of professionals and comprehensive harm reduction services, we offer essential support and challenge the outdated stigmas that have long hindered progress. By embracing a compassionate approach that meets individuals where they are in their recovery journeys, OneEighty and other members of the Partnership for a Drug Free Wayne/Holmes Counties are transforming the landscape of addiction treatment.
Our work, fueled by the insights and commitment of community leaders like Josh Hunt, Stacey Beun, and Tod Carmony, underscores the importance of breaking down barriers and advocating for a more inclusive, supportive environment. As we move forward, it’s crucial for our community to join us, support these initiatives, and recognize that recovery is not a one-size-fits-all process. Together, we can create an environment where everyone has the opportunity to achieve the best possible outcome and where harm reduction is embraced as a key component of recovery.
OneEighty Resources
For those encountering a substance use crisis, please call OneEighty’s Substance Use Crisis hotline, available 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, at 330-466-0678. For other resources, click the links below:
Community Relations & Prevention
Substance Use Treatment Navigator Hotline
Intimate Partner & Domestic Violence booklet (Wayne County)Self-Help Legal Manual
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