2024 in Review: Advancing Harm Reduction
Webinar Highlight: Mentorship & Methadone Liberation
Webinar Recap: Advancing Black Harm Reduction Leadership
In this insightful webinar, NBHRN outlined its mission, strategies, and the vision for its upcoming Workforce Development and Mentorship Program, a necessary initiative designed to empower the next generation of Black harm reductionists.
Former Co-Director Joy Rucker and national consultant Monique Tula shared the compelling story of NBHRN’s formation, emphasizing the need for community-driven approaches in tackling systemic inequities. They also offered actionable recommendations and highlighted opportunities for public health partners to support and expand the Black harm reduction workforce.
A key highlight of the session was a walkthrough of the mentorship program application process, with detailed answers to participants’ questions about eligibility, structure, and goals. This program reflects NBHRN’s commitment to cultivating culturally competent leaders who can drive transformative change in harm reduction.
This event was made possible through the generous support of NASTAD and the Opioid Response Network, further underscoring the collaborative efforts needed to advance equity in harm reduction.
Webinar Recap: Methadone Liberation in Black Communities
This powerful webinar explored the complex history of methadone use in Black communities, shedding light on the structural racism and stigma that have shaped perceptions and policies surrounding opioid treatment programs (OTPs).
Panelists recounted how methadone was introduced in the 1960s as a government-backed response to heroin addiction, with programs often focusing more on social control than addressing systemic inequities or providing access to comprehensive care. They emphasized the importance of understanding this historical context to ensure that current and future methadone liberation efforts prioritize the dignity and needs of Black communities.
Through stories, data, and thoughtful dialogue, participants were challenged to rethink the role of OTPs and envision a harm reduction landscape free from stigma and structural barriers. This conversation is a vital step toward creating a treatment system that centers equity and justice for Black individuals navigating addiction.
This webinar was part of the series “Past, Present, and Possible Futures of the Methadone Treatment System” and was presented in collaboration with the National Coalition to Liberate Methadone, NASTAD, and the Opioid Response Network.
