FOR JOURNALISTS

We urge journalists to amplify the voices of those directly impacted by the overdose crisis and to shine a light on the urgent need for reform. Our members are available for interviews to discuss the critical need to shift our national approach from punishment to health-focused solutions. Through their personal stories and experiences, they can provide powerful insights into the devastating effects of the current punitive system and the transformative potential of health-based interventions.

To assist in your reporting, we recommend exploring resources such as Changing the Narrative. This initiative offers valuable tools and guidance for journalists covering the overdose crisis, emphasizing the importance of language, framing, and the portrayal of substance use issues. By utilizing these resources, you can contribute to a more informed and empathetic public discourse that supports meaningful change.

By highlighting health-centered approaches and the voices of those affected, you can play a pivotal role in reshaping public perception and policy. The stories you tell can help foster understanding, reduce stigma, and advocate for policies that prioritize saving lives over punishment.

We are committed to supporting your efforts to bring attention to these critical issues. Our members are ready to share their stories and provide testimony to illustrate the urgent need for a compassionate, health-based response to the overdose crisis. Through their personal narratives, you will gain access to firsthand accounts of the emotional toll of losing a loved one to overdose, the challenges faced in the current punitive system, and the hope and potential seen in health-centered approaches. Our members can articulate the real-world impact of these policies, demonstrating the need for a shift in how society handles substance use and addiction.

Furthermore, our organization can connect you with experts in public health, harm reduction, and drug policy who can provide additional context and analysis. By incorporating these perspectives, your reporting can offer a comprehensive view of the crisis and the multifaceted solutions needed to address it effectively.

Together, we can work towards a future where every life is valued and every individual has access to the support and care they need. Your role as journalists is crucial in driving this change, and we stand ready to collaborate with you to ensure that the stories of those affected by the overdose crisis are heard, understood, and acted upon. Let us work together to promote a more humane and effective response to the overdose crisis, one that prioritizes health, dignity, and the value of every human life.