Just Words – Harm Reduction Programs in Harlem and Washington Heights: A Community Perspective | Part 1 of 2

Season 1 Episode 33 | 133 Part 1 of 2 Special Guest: Director of Community Initiatives and Impact – Jason of ONPOINT NYC Website/Information: https://onpointnyc.org/ To request a cleanup call - 718.415.3708 Episode Description: For the Season Finale Just Words decided to end things on a meaningful note. Just Words Nobody Cares – welcomes Jason, the Director of Community Initiatives and Impact at On Point NYC services, to talk about the effects of drug harm reduction programs and their impact in Harlem and Washington Heights communities of New York City. In this episode, Jason will share his insights on the importance of harm reduction programs in addressing the opioid crisis and other drug-related problems in these communities. He will talk about how harm reduction programs have been successful in reducing drug-related harm, including overdose deaths, and improving the health outcomes of individuals who use drugs. Jason will also discuss the challenges that harm reduction programs face in gaining acceptance and support from the broader community. He will touch on the stigma and misconceptions that surround drug use and harm reduction, and the importance of community engagement in promoting harm reduction initiatives. Listeners will gain a better understanding of the importance of harm reduction programs in addressing drug-related problems, and the role that community engagement plays in ensuring their success. They will also learn about the specific impact of harm reduction programs in Harlem and Washington Heights communities of New York City. ______________TABLE OF CONTENTS________________ 00:00 00:05:57 Guest Intro 00:06:56 Description of On Point 00:07:44 Bridging the gap 00:09:26 Addiction is larger than any one org or group 00:10:21 Syringe drop box system 00:13:00 City agencies passing the bucket 00:14:40 Humanizing and how to approach addiction 00:17:55 Ron Kain’s - Developer theory 00:18:42 Jason's Origin story 00:19:23 HIV work 00:21:09 Funding drying up for HIV organizations 00:21:44 Learning about Harm Reduction 00:22:29 Reaching out to Corner Project 00:23:08 Linking syringe litter to the organization 00:25:13 Overdose prevention center 00:26:17 Steps taken to prevent over doses 00:28:21 Stats on utilization 00:29:32 Destigmatized drug use 00:30:09 Tackling subset of issues 00:31:15 Dealing with so much how do you step away 00:33:17 Dre's stance on Harm Reduction 00:34:01 Rehab vs Harm Reduction 00:34:47 The Optics 00:37:38 Meeting them where they are at 00:38:41 Ron's story seeing an overdose 00:39:42 Marcus Garvey Park 00:40:43 Fentanyl overdose 00:43:24 Difference between Fentanyl & Heroine 00:45:01 Approaching a 30-person encampment 00:47:21 On Point Donation 00:47:59 Services offered 00:49:15 Lower East Side Services 00:50:55 Language and approach for outreach 00:53:38 How can we shift the optics Record date: 12.17.22 LINK IN BIO ON MOST PODCAST APPS STREAM VIDEO ON @spotify | @youtube Guest Social | IG @onpoint_nyc Host Social | IG @ron.kain | @dre.drizzo |