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Harm Reduction

 Nichols Center Wellness Institute harm reduction trainings:

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  1. Foundations of Harm Reduction: An overview of harm reduction principles, drug use, and sex work.

  2. Overdose Prevention & Response: Focusing on opioid overdose risks, recognition, and response strategies.

  3. People Who Use Drugs: Techniques for stigma-free communication and support.

  4. Naloxone Administration: Hands-on training for various naloxone products and administration methods.

  5. Legal and Ethical Aspects of Harm Reduction: Covering Good Samaritan laws and ethical considerations for healthcare providers.

  6. Community-Based Overdose Prevention: Strategies for implementing overdose prevention programs locally.

  7. Trauma-Informed Care in Harm Reduction: Addressing the intersection of trauma and substance use.

  8. Harm Reduction for First Responders: Tailored training for emergency personnel.

  9. Fentanyl Safety and Testing: Education on fentanyl risks and the use of test strips.

  10. Harm Reduction in Schools: Training for educators on recognizing and responding to substance use.

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These courses would likely be designed to be interactive, incorporating hands-on practice, case studies, and peer-led discussions to enhance learning and skill development.

Georgia's

Opioid Epidemic

Despite naloxone distribution efforts, drug overdose deaths in Georgia increased by about 56 percent from 2019 to 2021. This indicates that naloxone distribution alone may not have been sufficient to curb the rising overdose rates.

 

Georgia has been identified as one of the top 11 states with the most prescription opioid overdose deaths, with 55 of its 159 counties having higher drug overdose rates than the U.S. average in 2014. This suggests that naloxone distribution efforts may face significant challenges in addressing the scale of the problem.​

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Community-based organizations in Georgia play a crucial role in harm reduction efforts, working closely with state partners to deliver a variety of services across the state.

​1. Naloxone Training & Distribution Project: The Office of Behavioral Health Prevention (OBHP) is working with the Atlanta Harm Reduction Coalition to train and educate community members, including opioid users and their families, on the use and administration of naloxone. They are also providing naloxone starter kits to first responders in high-need areas across the state.

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2. Targeted distribution: Areas of Georgia with high opioid death rates are more likely to have naloxone available at pharmacies, suggesting efforts to prioritize access in these regions.

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3. Free naloxone kits: High-risk individuals, such as people actively using drugs or their family members, can request free naloxone kits through Georgia Overdose Prevention.

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4. First responder training: The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) offers training for first responders, including law enforcement and firefighters, who can then receive free Naloxone.

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5. Statewide media campaign: OBHP has launched a campaign to raise awareness about opioid risks, available resources, and the Medical Amnesty or "Good Samaritan" Law, aiming to reduce stigma and increase knowledge about naloxone use.

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6. Pharmacy access: Georgia has implemented naloxone standing orders to remove barriers to access in retail pharmacies, though challenges remain in ensuring consistent availability, particularly in independent pharmacies.

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