Opioid overdoses reversal stories are effective health interventions
Channel: Marty Otañez
Date: 2021-06-23

Have you seen a drug overdose or helped to reverse an overdose? 
 
In summer 2021, a project exists to make a personal video about opioid overdose reversals to help reduce stigma and shame associated with drug use in Colorado. Individuals who complete up to 20 hours of workshop training in digital storytelling receive a $250 gift card from King Soopers/City Market. 
 
The project is for opioid users; friends and family members of opioid users; people of color, caregivers, and professionals such as EMTs, nurses and law enforcement employees who have witnessed an opioid overdose or used Narcan (or naloxone) to revive someone from an overdose.   
 
Participants must be 18 years or older and be a Colorado resident. For the virtual workshop option, participants must have access to a computer with a WIFI connection. Computers will be provided in the in-person workshops. No experience in video making is needed. 
 
Individuals who participate in the project have the option to disguise their faces and voices. Videos produced in the project will be shared publicly via the project webpage and DVDs. 
 
We have spots for 50 people in digital storytelling workshops. Each workshop includes around 20 hours of training. Workshops are scheduled in July and August 2021. Workshops are offered in the virtual (Zoom) format and in-person format. 
 
Sign-up today at the registration page (https://ucdenver.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0kTvjHKMTQ2eyiO) to learn how to make a personal video and help to destigmatize Narcan (or naloxone) and promote harm reduction strategies in Colorado.

This project is funded by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‘Overdose Data to Action’ grant. For more information visit the project web page (https://clas.ucdenver.edu/anthropology/digital-storytelling-project) or contact Marty Otañez, Project Leader, Anthropology Department, CU Denver, Marty.Otanez@ucdenver.edu