In a powerful demonstration of cross-partner collaboration, Jefferson County partners OWL360, Believe in Recovery, Jefferson County Public Health, The Mandala Center for Change, Recovery Café, and Jefferson County Juvenile Services have joined forces in the Stigma Busters initiative. Funded by Olympic Community of Health’s (OCH) Stronger Together funding opportunity, this project aims to combat the stigmatization of substance use disorders (SUD) through innovative youth engagement and community outreach focused on youth and young adults aged 14-25.
As a part of OCH’s efforts towards becoming a recovery friendly region, a 2021 survey revealed that the Olympic Region has greater perceived stigma. Additionally, Washington State Department of Health data show that 25.7% of the deaths in the Olympic region in 2020 were induced by drugs and 19.1% of deaths were induced by alcohol and that number has been increasing since 2017. Considering the impact substance use disorder (SUD) has on communities and the stigma that exists around seeking help, initiatives like Stigma Busters are vital in working toward the shared vision of healthy people, thriving communities.
In their mid-project report to OCH, the Stigma Busters team wrote “We have successfully created a platform for all individuals to feel their shared humanity,” and in the first six months of the project, Stigma Busters made significant strides in destigmatizing SUD and fostering community support. The initiative has:
Hosted over 54 community events: From overdose awareness events to film screenings and panel discussions, these events have sparked vital conversations and increased public awareness.
Embedded a certified SUD peer counselor: At the Nest, enhancing support and outreach for young people.
Provided supportive housing: 14 young adults have been housed through the program’s supportive housing units.
Distributed critical resources: 80 doses of NARCAN (over-the-counter overdose medication) have been distributed, along with essential training.
Served over 2,300 young people: The Nest has become a safe space for thousands of young individuals, fostering community connection and support.
The collaborative nature of Stigma Busters is evident in its diverse range of activities, including the development of educational posters using person-first, recovery friendly language, health and wellness education, and engaging youth through monthly open mics and spoken word events. The guidance and support of the Youth and Young Adult Advisory Council have been instrumental in amplifying young voices and addressing community needs.
Through these combined efforts, Stigma Busters demonstrates the power of collective action in addressing and reducing the stigma surrounding SUD. Negative conditions and circumstances in which we are born, grow, live, or age impact our health and addressing them often takes place outside the health care setting, which is why care coordination and access to services like housing, employment and creating safe spaces for social connection are so important to an individual's health and wellbeing. As the project progresses, it stands as a testament to the impact achievable when organizations unite with a shared vision.
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