Story Search Results

Advanced Search

There are so many ways to search the solutions journalism stories in this database. Explore our searchable fields:

Search Results

You searched for: -

There are 50 results for your search. View and Refine Your Search Terms

Some states reuse tons of unused prescription drugs; Maine burns them

Jon Chrisos

April 29, 2019 |

WGME-TV |

Broadcast TV News |

3-5 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Iowa

Every year, unused medications are thrown away costing states millions of dollars. A program in Iowa that has now spread to other states throughout the nation is tackling this issue by recycling and repurposing these drugs so that they can be distributed to populations that wouldn't otherwise be able to access them.

Read More
Go to Original Story
To tackle addiction, the French look beyond drugs to care for the person

Taylor Knopf

February 11, 2019 |

North Carolina Health News |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: France

Designated harm reduction centers can reduce overdoses and infections among those suffering from addiction. Facilities that operate as safe spaces can also offer resources such as treatment or housing, such as at the Planterose DropIn Center in Bordeaux and the SOS SleepIn Center in Paris. The strategy of helping addicts first use safely, and then rebuild social connections, has helped France to reduce its rate of HIV infection.

Read More
Go to Original Story
The Electric Forest Acid Testers

Shelby Pope

December 17, 2018 |

Pacific Standard |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Alabama

The Bunk Police sell kits that test the content of drugs—such as LSD and MDA—providing an effective way for people to ensure they are not taking potentially harmful synthetics. While studies show that these kits provide useful harm reduction, there are often difficult legal hurdles to the distribution of these kits online and in person.

Read More
Go to Original Story
In Amsterdam, a Unique Housing Agency Managed to Transform a Neighborhood

Deborah Nicholls-Lee

November 12, 2018 |

Bloomberg CityLab |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Netherlands, Amsterdam

Residents of a street in Amsterdam called Zeedijk took it upon themselves to rid the street of heroin abuse and blight by creating a public-private real-estate partnership. The partnership rehabilitated the street while ensuring locals weren't pushed out or displaced. Now, other areas in the city, including the Red Light District, are using this same approach to protect the rights and safety of their residents.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Science Supports Supervised Injection Sites. Why Don't Politicians Agree?

Judith Lewis Mernit

October 24, 2018 |

Capital & Main |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Canada, Vancouver

Years of research across countries has now shown that safe injection facilities correlate with fewer overdose deaths, but the United States as been slow to adopt this solution. Often deemed as controversial on the argument that these sites could enable further drug use, results from a facility in Vancouver go against this narrative by showing an increase in detox enrollments, rather than an increase in consumption.

Read More
Go to Original Story
New Hampshire syringe programs: 'Meeting people where they're at'

Shawne K. Wickham

May 19, 2018 |

New Hampshire Union Leader |

Multi-Media |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Rochester, New Hampshire

Hand Up Health Services is a syringe services program that provides clean needles to addicts, also known as “needles exchange” programs. The program is only one of two in New Hampshire. While there's a lot of stigma behind these types of programs, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions shows that “ people who inject drugs are five times more likely to enter treatment if they connect with an SSP.”

Read More
Go to Original Story
Housing

Austin Ampeloquio

May 12, 2018 |

Temple University |

Multi-Media |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Though there continue to be stigmas and stereotypes around using medically-assisted treatments (MATs) for addiction rehabilitation, several housing units in Philadelphia work to make individuals using MAT as part of their recovery feel welcome. One such recovery residence, the Joy of Living, offers stability and open arms for individuals on MAT programs, many of whom are often turned away by other facilities.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Reversing an Overdose

Sydney Schaefer

May 12, 2018 |

Temple University |

Multi-Media |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

A significant spike in opioid-related overdose deaths in Philadelphia has resulted in more people in the community carrying Naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medication. Thanks to a standing order signed by the Pennsylvania physician general as well as a local health insurance company, obtaining the drug has been made much easier which in turn results in more lives potentially being saved.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Medicine Cabinet: Safely disposing of opioids

Michelle Nicks

February 13, 2018 |

WFMJ-TV |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Warren, Ohio

Proper disposal of leftover prescription medication can help prevent substance abuse. To help residents properly dispose of their medications, Trumbull County in Ohio is undertaking a campaign to distribute medication deactivation kits to senior citizens. The initiative is funded by a grant from multiple community partners. The solution uses a carbon charcoal mix that neutralizes pharmaceutical compounds, making them safe for disposal.

Read More
Go to Original Story
The Hole

Michael O’Brien

February 02, 2018 |

Latino USA |

Radio |

Over 15 Minutes

Response Location: United States, New York, New York

One reason for the recent surge in heroin overdoses is the presence of fetanyl. A new harm reduction initiative focuses on testing heroin bought on the street for fetanyl and showing drug users how to test for themselves.

Read More
Go to Original Story