Harm reduction encompasses a myriad of practical strategies to minimize the negative outcomes of individuals who use drugs. This project aimed to achieve a multifaceted objective: promoting the successful reintegration and recovery of individuals exiting the Cumberland County Jail (CCJ) in Portland, Maine, while concurrently reducing the stigma surrounding substance use disorders. Additionally, the initiative aimed to equip CCJ Correctional Officers (COs) with the necessary resources to support this population. Leveraging grant resources and cultivating collaboration with community organizations, we assembled 200 harm reduction kits informed by insights from four male CCJ residents with a history of substance use disorder for distribution to departing CCJ residents. Additionally, 96 wellness bags were provided to CCJ COs.
Via a focus group, our interprofessional healthcare student team directly engaged four male CCJ residents with histories of substance use, a novel feature of this project. Their insights informed the development of a targeted resource map and the composition of 200 harm reduction kits tailored to support survival during the critical first 24 hours following release. Further bolstering the initiative, we collaborated with community organizations who supported our cause and donated both knowledge and items to include in our kits.
The primary goals of this project were to decrease overdose fatalities and incidents among the reentry community with harm reduction kits and to reduce stress and support the well-being of COs responsible for distributing the kits with wellness bags. A secondary goal of this project was to demonstrate the value of an interprofessional team in a community-centered environment and improve upon those skills and methods of harm reduction initiatives. Previously supported learnings measured self-identified confidence in finding local harm reduction resources, responding appropriately when interacting with a person with a substance use disorder, among other aspects as markers of success of a future healthcare professional competent in harm reduction initiatives (1). This project provides valuable insights into key skills, ideas, and knowledge that develops as a result of interprofessional collaboration in the development of harm reduction kits and initiatives. The kits included specific items to prevent overdose fatalities, treat wounds, and prevent the spread of infectious diseases. The distribution of these harm reduction kits reflects interprofessional efforts to improve access to needed resources and health care in addition to strides in improving health related outcomes for this vulnerable population.
In support of improving patient care, this activity is planned and implemented by The National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education Office of Interprofessional Continuing Professional Development (National Center OICPD). The National Center OICPD is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
As a Jointly Accredited Provider, the National Center is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. The National Center maintains responsibility for this course. Social workers completing this course receive continuing education credits.
The National Center OICPD (JA#: 4008105) is approved by the Board of Certification, Inc. to provide continuing education to Athletic Trainers (ATs).
This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credit for learning and change.
Physicians: The National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education designates this live activity for AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with their participation.
Physician Assistants: The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) accepts credit from organizations accredited by the ACCME.
Nurses: Participants will be awarded contact hours of credit for attendance at this workshop.
Nurse Practitioners: The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program (AANPCP) accepts credit from organizations accredited by the ACCME and ANCC.
Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians: This activity is approved for contact hours.
Athletic Trainers: This program is eligible for Category A hours/CEUs. ATs should claim only those hours actually spent in the educational program.
Social Workers: As a Jointly Accredited Organization, the National Center is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. The National Center maintains responsibility for this course. Social workers completing this course receive continuing education credits.
IPCE: This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credits for learning and change.
Learners can claim CE credit by completing the Daily Evaluation.
