Harm Reduction Approach Vital for Addressing Opioid Crisis, Says Expert (Re-Air)

Hacks & Wonks

On this topical show re-air, Crystal welcomes Everett Maroon, Executive Director of Blue Mountain Heart to Heart, for a conversation about their work in Southeast Washington using a harm reduction philosophy to support people, stabilize lives, & promote health and wellness in the community. Crystal and Everett chat about how the opioid epidemic has impacted rural communities, the role that stigma plays in keeping people from the help they need, what harm reduction is and why it is important.

They then review the recent roller coaster ride of Washington state’s substance use disorder policy, starting with the Washington Supreme Court’s Blake decision, followed by a temporary legislative fix, then an impasse at the end of last year’s legislative session, and finally a middle-of-the-road deal that recriminalized simple drug possession in addition to newly making public drug use illegal. Crystal and Everett lament the missed opportunity to meaningfully change the system & the continued lack of treatment services relative to need, and wrap up with what can be done at the state and local level to address the opioid crisis.

Transcript and resources:

https://www.officialhacksandwonks.com/everett-maroon-blue-mountain-heart-to-heart/

Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks and on X (formerly Twitter) at @HacksWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii and X at @finchfrii. Find more information about Blue Mountain Heart to Heart at https://bluemountainheart2heart.wordpress.com/