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Grief Recovery After a Substance Passing (GRASP)

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Grief Recovery After a Substance Passing (GRASP)

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Grief Recovery After Substance Passing - GRASP

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Grief Recovery After Substance Passing GRASP is for those who have lost someone due to substance use. GRASP provides compassionate support, local meetings and resources at no cost. GRASP has local meetings throughout the United States and Canada. You are welcome to join us

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Presentation- Drugs, Stigma, and Policy:How Language Drives Change

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Presentation- Drugs, Stigma, and Policy:How Language Drives Change

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County Medication Assisted Treatment Options

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County Medication Assisted Treatment Options

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MAT Information from Health Improvement Partnership

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MAT Information from Health Improvement Partnership

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Includes list of free medication disposal/take-back sites

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In Santa Cruz County, enough opioid medications are prescribed for every man, woman, and child to medicate themselves around the clock for six weeks of each yer. As a coalition of interdisciplinary organizations, SafeRx has been working in collaboration with doctors, pharmacists, and other community members to promote prevention of unsafe prescribing and substance use practices.

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National nonprofit organization dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis in the United States: with a focus on stigma reduction, advocacy, and vetting treatment programs.

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Addiction is treatable. But scientific best practices must be followed in order to save lives. Shatterproof is leading a collaborative effort to align the treatment system with effective, proven research.

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Images and Information for International Overdose Awareness Day 

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Images and Information for International Overdose Awareness Day 

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The 2019 Partners' Report has been released. Click here to download your copy.
View our 2020 campaign materials below and share the message with friends, family, colleagues and your community to help prevent overdose.

Please ensure that posters are displayed thoughtfully and responsibly so as not to be in breach of local laws and regulations.

We have prepared a media release for you to add your event details and send to local media outlets ahead of your big day.
Click the links/images to download the resource.
Advocacy Resources

This is where you can find different resources to help inspire your event planning and help you make a real difference. More resources will be added to this section as we get closer to International Overdose Awareness Day.

New T-shirt Designs

These t-shirts are not for sale. You can download the artwork and organise to get the t-shirts made at an on-demand t-shirt shop/printer near you.

Social Media Graphics

A3 Text Posters Colour

A3 Text Posters Grayscale

A1 Text Posters Colour

A1 Text Posters Grayscale
Campaign Logos and Use Guides
International Overdose Awareness Day logos: IOAD Logos (zip file)
Time to Remember. Time to Act logos: Logos and use guide (zip file)
#EndOverdose logos: Logos in all major graphic formats (zip file)

#EndOverdose Resources

A3 Poster | A1 Poster
A3 Poster A3 Poster A3 Poster A3 Poster A3 Poster A3 Poster A3 Poster A3 Poster A3 Poster A3 Poster A3 Poster A3 Poster A3 Poster

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Downloadable Resources - International Overdose Awareness Day

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The 2019 Partners' Report has been released. Click here to download your copy. View our 2020 campaign materials below and share the message with friends, family, colleagues and your community to help prevent overdose. Please ensure that posters are displayed thoughtfully and responsibly so as not to be in breach of local laws and regulations.

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1-800-484-3731

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We will never shame, judge, or preach to stop. If you are interested in getting help, we have resources available for you, but we will never push them on you. We recognize that you will only quit, when you're ready to quit. We just want to help keep you a live until that time comes!

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We will never shame, judge, or preach to stop. If you are interested in getting help, we have resources available for you, but we will never push them on you. We recognize that you will only quit, when you're ready to quit. We just want to help keep you a live until that time comes!

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Evidence-Based Strategies for Preventing Opioid Overdose

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Evidence-Based Strategies for Preventing Opioid Overdose

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Responding to Opioid Overdose | Harm Reduction Coalition

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This Syringe Access State Policy Landscape describes each state's policies regarding access to sterile syringes. Get the facts on where your state stands.

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Local Op-Ed: From stigma and apathy to empathy and action

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Local Op-Ed: From stigma and apathy to empathy and action

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Substance use disorder is now widely recognized in the medical community as a chronic illness which responds to treatment. Similar to other chronic diseases such as diabetes or heart disease, remission and recurrence are part of the disease and healing process. Research has shown that the recurrence or relapse rates for substance use disorders are the same as other chronic medical conditions.

With treatment, these behaviors transform. Life starts to normalize. Our words can be supportive. Our words can help decrease stigma and help people seek treatment and regain their lives, a hopeful prospect. But often, our words judge recurrence as a moral failing, bringing back the stigma and shame.

There has been attention and commentary in both the media and social groups in Santa Cruz county regarding words to describe those who suffer from substance use disorders in less than favorable terms. Words such as "junkie," "drug seeker," "criminal like," and "addict," add to the stigma associated with addiction. Addiction is a diagnosis characterized by compulsive drug use despite negative consequences. And the people who use drugs are our neighbors, fathers, mothers, children, people in business, medical providers and teachers.

As difficult as it is to live with a chronic, potentially relapsing disease, the impacts of stigma can be devastating. Public stigma leads to barriers in employment, education, training, health, housing and social support. Personal stigma leads to shame, guilt, lowered self-esteem, delays in seeking help and poorer health outcomes. Stigma may involve labels, negative stereotypes, and dehumanization that impact social and health outcomes.

Words can be powerful, and they matter.

Words can be used to inform, to encourage and to support, but they can also misinform, shame, or isolate. Changing our language from "addict," to "person who uses drugs," or "someone living with substance use disorder," is part of the journey from stigma to empathy.

The impact of words can be seen in the shift in memorializing those who have died from substance use disorders in obituaries. Rather than "Joe Jones, a 47-year-old drug addict, died of a heroin overdose," a less stigmatizing and more dignified obituary might read: "Joseph Jones, beloved son of Mary and Monte Jones, died after a long struggle with substance use disorder. Joe was a graduate of Soquel High and was loved by many."

The simple act of becoming aware of our language, refraining from using labels or outdated language, and treating people with dignity brings humanity back into the picture.

As a community, we can address bias and stigma through education, personal witness, stories of lived experience, placing real people at the center, and changing our language and terminology. We all deserve to be seen, respected and to have the opportunity to seek recovery on our own terms.

In the shadow of Covid-19, we have seen a national increase in overdose deaths. Social isolation, increases in depression and anxiety, and using drugs alone are consequences of the pandemic.

A single overdose is one too many. Our neighbors are grieving alone, often silently, as the loss of a loved one is viewed with judgment. Let us shift the conversation to access to treatment, overdose awareness and prevention.

We can move from stigma and apathy to empathy and action.

Join us for a community conversation on International Overdose Awareness Day, Aug. 31. Our presenters have suffered the tragedy of losing loved ones to overdose. We grieve and honor the lives we have lost over the years by moving to action. We commit to take efforts to eliminate preventable overdoses. This is an attainable goal that will take more than thoughts and prayers. We need action now-and you can get involved with solutions by joining us on Aug. 31, from noon-1:30pm for a Zoom session.

RSVP to receive the Zoom link by viewing our invitation: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/116671165597
Denise Elerick is an organizer with the Harm Reduction Coalition of Santa Cruz County. She is joined by Elisa M. Orona, Executive Director, Health Improvement Partnership of Santa Cruz County; Matt Nathanson, Public Health Nurse; Jen Hastings, MD, Lead Physician, SafeRx Santa Cruz County; Kristen O'Connor, RN BSN CARN, Santa Cruz Community Health; Casey KirkHart, DO, Chief Medical Officer, Santa Cruz Community Health; Joey Crottogini, MPH, Health Center Manager, Homeless Persons Health Project; Kristen Petersen, Capitola Mayor; Rebecca Garcia, Watsonville Mayor; and Justin Cummings, Santa Cruz Mayor in this message. Their views are their own, and not necessarily those of the Pajaronian.

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Words matter: From stigma and apathy to empathy and action

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Substance use disorder is now widely recognized in the medical community as a chronic illness which responds to treatment. Similar to other chronic diseases such as diabetes or heart disease, remission and recurrence are part of the disease and healing process.

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Santa Cruz Overdose Prevention & Education Program

Opioid Overdose Doesn't Have to be Fatal - You Can Help Save a Life!

The Santa Cruz Overdose Prevention & Education program (SCOPE) at Janus provides overdose prevention kits and education to individuals and community organizations. These life-saving kits contain two doses of Naloxone, which can reverse opioid overdoses when administered promptly. Syringes and instructions are included in a small sharps container for safe disposal after use. Anyone who uses opioids or lives with or near anyone who uses opioids (including IV heroin) is urged to obtain a kit. A $20.00 donation is requested but a kit will not be denied to anyone due to inability to pay.
Contact us at (831) 462-1060 to learn how to get a SCOPE kit or to set up a SCOPE training for your organization.

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The Santa Cruz Overdose Prevention & Education program (SCOPE) at Janus provides overdose prevention kits and education to individuals and community organizations. These life-saving kits contain two doses of Naloxone, which can reverse opioid overdoses when administered promptly. Syringes and instructions are included in a small sharps container for safe disposal after use.

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Nar-Anon Family Groups Central California

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Nar-Anon is a world-wide fellowship for those who are affected by someone else's addiction. Whether the addict is using or not, Nar-Anon offers hope and recovery to all people affected by the addiction of a loved one or friend. Learn more...

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Nar-Anon Family Groups in Central California

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Nar-Anon is a world-wide fellowship for those who are affected by someone else's addiction. Whether the addict is using or not, Nar-Anon offers hope and recovery to all people affected by the addiction of a loved one or friend. Learn more...

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A 12-Step Program for Families & Friends of Addicts

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Good news community shifts.

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Al-Anon and Alateen for Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties

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Al-Anon and Alateen for Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties

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District 23 has several virtual meetings to provide continuing support to Al-Anon and Alateen members. Our meetings are currently listed on theVirtual Meetings page. There are also a number of Virtual Al-Anon Events. See the Virtual Events page for more information. For options to make 7th tradition donations, visit the 7th Tradition page.

Para información en español ir a "Información en Español" arriba de esta pagina
o haga clic eneste hipervínculo.
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If someone's drinking is bothering you there is help and hope for you in Al-Anon and Alateen.

Call (831) 462-1818

Si se molesta por la bebida de otra persona hay ayuda y esperanza para usted en Al-Anon y Alateen.

Llamar (831) 462-1818

The Al-Anon Family Groups are a fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength, and hope in order to solve their common problems. We believe alcoholism is a family illness and that changed attitudes can aid recovery.

Al-Anon is not allied with any sect, denomination, political entity, organization, or institution; does not engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any cause. There are no dues for membership. Al-Anon is self-supporting through its own voluntary contributions.

Al-Anon has but one purpose: to help families of alcoholics. We do this by practicing the Twelve Steps, by welcoming and giving comfort to families of alcoholics, and by giving understanding and encouragement to the alcoholic.

Suggested Al-Anon Preamble to the Twelve Steps
-Reprinted with permission of Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc.

For those new to Al-Anon, the World Service Office has posted an informative podcast series: First Steps to Al-Anon Recovery. This is the first of six Al-Anon Family Group podcasts with the purpose of introducing you to Al-Anon meetings.

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District 23 has several virtual meetings to provide continuing support to Al-Anon and Alateen members. Our meetings are currently listed on theVirtual Meetings page . There are also a number of Virtual Al-Anon Events. See the Virtual Events page for more information. For options to make 7th tradition donations, visit the 7th Tradition page.

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CA Public Health Department Administering Naloxone Video 

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CA Public Health Department Administering Naloxone Video 

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"Administering Naloxone” equips public health agencies, community organizations, friends, family members and others with the knowledge and skills needed to prevent opioid-related deaths by using naloxone, a drug that can reverse an overdose. The 11 minute training video includes a six point checklist on how to recognize when a person is overdosing and demonstrates how to dispense naloxone and provide post-overdose care.

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Video Stimulation of Naloxone Administration on a Stuffed Bear 

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Video Stimulation of Naloxone Administration on a Stuffed Bear 

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Naloxone (also sometimes called narcan) is the life saving medication that reverses opiate overdoses

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People with Medi-cal can call the county Access line at 1-800-952-2335.  People with private insurance can call their provider for a list of practitioners that accept their insurance.

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Santa Cruz County Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Providers

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Santa Cruz County Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Providers

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For anyone interested in starting MAT or finding MAT services, there are providers in North and South County.

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SC County MAT Resources Guide Families 9.1.2020

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To get Narcan you may email Rita at: rita@hipscc.org.