Local Nonprofit Launches Campaign for Adults with
Drug and Alcohol Substance Use Disorders and Their Families
The campaign offers awareness videos, education, therapy, and support groups
LARGO, MARYLAND – Heart to Hand, Inc., a 501 (c)(3), community-based public health organization located in Largo, Maryland has launched a regional public education campaign to help adults living with substance use disorders get resources, therapy, and support they need to succeed and live a better life. The campaign, Access Harm Reduction, is made possible by a Harm Reduction grant from the Maryland Department of Health in response to the opioid crisis. The purpose of the funding is to reduce the harm from drugs like opioids, methamphetamines, marijuana, etc., and alcohol by removing stigma and offering accessible resources to adults and their families.
The goal of Access Harm Reduction is three-fold: 1) Raise awareness of substance use disorders in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV); 2) Educate the public about facts, signs, and myths; and 3) Increase the knowledge of adults and their families in the DMV about how to access the type of help they need. “Could I be the face of addiction? Could you? Your coworker or neighbor? Addiction has no face.” says Diane Jefferson, LMSW, Psychosocial Support Manager and Harm Reduction Specialist at Heart to Hand. Jefferson continues, “Since the pandemic began, there has been a rise in substance use disorders and many affected in the DMV are professionals, people working every day, raising families, and using substances to cope with their stress. Unfortunately, some have lost their lives and their families are often stuck not knowing what to do.” According to the Centers for Disease Control, there were 100,000 deaths nationwide related to substance abuse from April 2020 to April 2021 – an all-time high for a 12-month period.
The Access Harm Reduction campaign offers resources that include videos featuring gripping stories from families impacted by substance abuse; educational tools; individual and group therapy; and support groups. Jefferson says, “Success looks different for every person. We have a multipronged approach to substance use disorders to meet people and their families where they are and most importantly when they are ready for things to be different.” She adds, “We are excited about support groups starting this spring. People need to know they are not alone. And help can be in person or via teletherapy.” The support groups available are Relapse Prevention, Sexual Health and Recovery, and Survivors and Family Support.
For more information about Access Harm Reduction and how to sign up for the support groups, visit http://www.HeartToHandInc.org/AccessHarmeReduction.
Heart to Hand, Inc.
Heart to Hand, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3), community-based public health organization located in Largo, Maryland with over 20 years of experience in public health, with a focus on HIV and other sexual health issues. The mission is to provide support, education, and resources that promote healthy lifestyles, decrease health disparities and increase access to quality health care. Heart to Hand is the leading provider of free services to those living with sexually transmitted infections in Prince George’s County. Visit HeartToHandinc.org.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
SAMHSA’s mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities. For more information, contact SAMHSAInfo@samhsa.hhs.gov.
Maryland Department of Health’s Center for Harm Reduction Services
These grants support the Center for Harm Reduction Services’ goals of reducing substance-related morbidity and mortality by optimizing services for people who use drugs. For more information, contact mdh.access@maryland.gov.