Harm Reduction

In the summer of 2022, I was able to aid in establishing a harm reduction program at my school. Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use. Harm Reduction is also a movement for social justice built on a belief in, and respect for, the rights of people who use drugs. I took on the very first role of Student Substance Education & Recovery Coordinator and worked with the Wellness Peer Advisory Council to get the program rolling. Over the course of my last year at Fort Lewis College, we were able to establish funding, community support, and even begin providing harm reduction resources to our students. These resources included (free) naloxone, fentanyl testing strips, and objective information. As a communication design major, I took on the task of creating Remi the Harm Reduction Raccoon, stickers, brochures, drug-interaction charts, a campus map of resources, event posters,
t-shirts, signs etc.

This was an incredibly fulfilling experience and I am so grateful for the community I found in doing this work. The program still lives on today and I am excited to see how it evolves and continues to grow. A huge special shout-out and thank you to Kendra Gallegos for listening to this crazy idea and helping me make it a reality.