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Feb 20, 2024

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Date: March 9 th , 2023 To: Kristie Brooks, Regional Director – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration From: Karina Martinez, Makayla Chavana, Hannah Wark, Anthony Long Subject: Proposal for an educational website on harm reduction and the reduction of adverse effects related to opioid usage. PURPOSE The purpose of this proposal is to suggest an educational website informing Austin residents on the value of harm reduction and minimizing adverse effects related to opioid usage. INTRODUCTION In Texas, there has been a rise in opioid usage throughout the years. Specifically, the Texas Department of State Health Services reported a 41% increase between the years 2018 to 2022, specifically. This brings the total count to 4,228 accidental opioid-related deaths. In the first half of 2022, a report showed that at least 200 people died from an opioid drug overdose. That is more than twice as many fatalities as were caused by auto accidents and suicides combined. In Austin, drugs cut with fentanyl, a pervasive synthetic opioid, are responsible for 50% of these deaths. This narcotic is deadlier than heroin. On May 24 th , 2022, The Travis County Commissioners Court declared a public health crisis due to the number of accidental deaths from drug-related substances. This is following a report that showed drug overdoses were the number one cause of accidental deaths in 2021 for Travis County. This decision expanded Narcan access and funded $350,000 for harm reduction supplies. Harm reduction is a proven way to tackle the opioid crisis and make a positive difference. It helps reduce overdose deaths and transmission of infectious diseases. It promotes engagement with addiction treatment services and creates a supportive and non-stigmatizing environment for individuals who use opioids. Incorporating harm reduction principles into the community can be a vital tool for healthcare providers and lawmakers in reducing the negative impacts of opioids. While Austin seems to be taking appropriate steps toward battling our current opioid crisis, the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics reports that we have seen a steady increase in opioid- related deaths at an annual rate of 2.28% over the last three years. Even though Austin has received funding for harm reduction supplies, it is useless if the residents are not informed of such services. This is because funding for harm reduction is effective if the public is aware of this approach and its benefits. Without awareness, Austin natives not accessing such services leads to these programs going underutilized and defunded. SAMHSA, Travis County officials, and the countless number of lives being affected by opioids could benefit from the education this website brings. Our goal is to make harm reduction and its benefits widely known within the city to hopefully overturn the increasing number of fatalities.

PROPOSED TASKS Research of the effects of opioid usage in Austin Although some people and organizations in Austin could have a high degree of awareness and comprehension of harm reduction, there are likely still many people who are either unaware of this type of assistance or those who may have misconceptions about their effectiveness. Creating our website with helpful resources for individuals struggling with addiction, along with providing trustworthy and easily accessible information on harm reduction methods, can be an effective means of promoting awareness and encouraging the use of harm reduction strategies in Austin. Identifying the most efficient methods for safety against opioids in Austin Since the rise in opioid use has become prevalent in Austin, there has been immense discussion over the best ways for safe harm reduction. One way that proves most effective is increasing funding for harm reduction organizations. By doing this, nonprofit organizations are given more supplies to help those who need safe and clean needles. If the city implemented more harm reduction organizations, there would be less risk of disease spreading and harmful injuries due to the use of unclean needles. Increasing funding provides individuals who struggle with accessing clean needles the supplies needed for safe use. Since most harm reduction sites are nonprofit, they depend on donations from individuals or group organizations that support it. Design Resource Website We will develop an educational website that covers harm reduction. The website will need to simplify technical language and concepts to make them understandable to a diverse audience. Having visual aids, such as diagrams or videos, can help to clarify these ideas. Organizing the website in a structured way, with easy-to-read headings and subheadings that provide straightforward navigation through the content, is essential. Including real-life scenarios or examples can make the information more relatable and engaging for the user. Obstacles Two major obstacles we face revolve around the stigmatization of harm reduction and accessibility. Harm reduction may be perceived as supporting or even advocating drug use by some people and communities, which can result in pushback and opposition. Additionally, individuals who struggle with addiction may also be more vulnerable to poverty, homelessness, and involvement with the criminal justice system making it difficult to access our website.

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