all of them aimed to engage and inform opioid overdose survivors. The most common program configuration involved police and clinicians working together to meet mutual goals.
Respondents stated that one of their goals is to reduce the stigma associated with substance use disorders and that their staff members were trained on topics such as compassion, communication skills, and stigma.
They also highlighted that stigma remains a barrier for police departments that are implementing addiction treatment programs.
“I was encouraged that so many partnerships are being generated,” Walley added. “I think there’s a recognition that stigma is an issue but this is an effort to address it both externally and internally.”
Author: Livia Areas-Holmblad
Livia Holmblad is an editor at Addiction Now and covers breaking news, features and everything in between. She moved to SoCal after living in NYC for about 10 years, where she worked for VICE and SinoVision as a writer, editor, host, producer, and director. Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro. Contact Livia at liviah@addictionnow.com
