Consultant Project: Family/Friend Resources

PROJECT PROPOSAL PROJECT TITLE: RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES & FRIENDS Format/Medium: Consolidated resource listing with descriptions DESCRIPTION In partnership with affiliate harm reduction programs, NEXT Distro/nextdistro.org mails naloxone across the country. A majority of individuals utilizing this free mailed naloxone identify as a spouse/partner, family member, roommate, or other person affected by the substance use of a loved one. Almost 50% of people requesting naloxone have witnessed an overdose in the past year. NEXT’s program is the first interaction that many enrollees have with harm reduction as a concept and practice. This project will further understanding about the value of harm reduction and consolidate accessible harm reduction resources targeted to loved ones of PWUD. NEXT will not center our website as a support for loved ones, but will direct visitors to pre-existing resources.

PRODUCT Consolidated resource listing with descriptions and related contact information and accessibility info. In order for this product to be successful, it will need to meet the following competencies: ● Developed through the lens of NEXT’s BIPOC workplan: nextdistro.org/bipoc ● Incorporate resources for loved ones of people who use drugs that center a harm reduction lens. ● Focus on national resources that have a range of accessibility options including but not limited to websites, written materials/books, video or call-in mutual aid/support group options. ● Contain a contextualizing informational introduction and/or commentary that introduces the efficacy of harm reduction approaches in supporting PWUD ● To facilitate this resource resonating with a diverse set of affected communities, topical research should focus on structural factors affecting substance use and overdose rather than narratives that center a narrative of victimized white communities devastated by pharmaceutical companies. ● Resources should speak to the unique concerns of spouse/partners and family members (including parents/siblings). This may include information about language/stigma, MAT, and navigating substance use of a loved one.

OTHER DETAILS ● Consultant(s) will be credited and linked on all produced materials. ● Project build-out will be supported by the NEXT team through an initial meeting, check-in, and final draft ‘punch list’ meetings. ● Website and graphic design will be provided by NEXT as necessary. ● Project is estimated to be completed in 2-4 weeks. ● Payment upon completion: $300 USD TO APPLY To apply, email content@nextdistro.org by April 16th with your vision for how this resource can support affected communities and include one family/relationship support resource you think should garner more attention.