THD to Distribute Harm Reduction Kits

TULSA, OKLA [January 15, 2025] – The Tulsa Health Department’s substance abuse prevention program has partnered with the Coalition Against Prescription and Substance Abuse of Tulsa (CAPSAT) to distribute Harm Reduction Kits in Tulsa County. The kits include free essential resources designed to prevent overdose and substance misuse, such as Narcan, fentanyl test strips, xylazine test strips, medication disposal bags and medication lockboxes.

In addition to the resources provided, the Tulsa Health Department is collaborating with Tulsa Public Schools to provide messages of encouragement and hope on cards created by elementary school students.

Students from Hamilton Elementary School personalized 100 cards with heartfelt messages to be included in the harm reduction kits.

“We know that the winter months can bring significant challenges on individuals and their loved ones,” said THD Prevention Specialist Netta Jamieson. “By combining essential harm reduction tools with messages of hope and encouragement, we aim to empower individuals on their journey toward recovery and well-being while addressing the urgent need for overdose prevention in Tulsa.”

This initiative, called the “Spreading Hope” program, aims to provide a unique layer of support for individuals impacted by substance use disorder. Between 2018 and 2022, a staggering 913 Tulsans tragically lost their lives to unintentional drug overdoses. Data from the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) from 2022 reveals that 25% of these individuals had a history of mental health problems. The “Spreading Hope” program addresses this critical public health issue by pairing vital harm reduction resources with a message of hope.

“A community crisis warrants a collaborative, community response, and that’s what the Tulsa Health Department is facilitating with ‘Spreading Hope,’” added Stephanie Andrews, Executive Director, Student and Family Support Services for Tulsa Public Schools. “When individuals open their harm reduction kits and see the messages of hope and encouragement – and personalized artwork from young people in Tulsa Public Schools – we hope they know their community is behind them and our youth believe in them.”

Kits are readily available to community members through the Tulsa Health Department website. These resources will also be available at community events organized by the Coalition Against Prescription and Substance Abuse of Tulsa (CAPSAT).

For more information about the Tulsa Health Department’s substance abuse prevention program or the Coalition Against Prescription and Substance Abuse of Tulsa, please call 918-582-9355 or visit https://tulsa-health.org/programs/substance-abuse-prevention/.

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