Workgroups
The Opioid Response Task Force Small Groups are community-led workgroups that address pertinent issues related to Southeastern Colorado's opioid response efforts through multi-sectoral and cross-organizational collaboration. The TSRG team provides administrative and facilitation support to these workgroup meetings.
PRSS/Harm Reduction Workgroup
The PRSS/Harm Reduction Workgroup combines peer recovery support and harm reduction agency personnel to deliver a coordinated and effective approach for agencies providing on-the-ground services to improve outcomes in Southeast Colorado.
Peer Recovery Support Services Strategies:
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Strategies focus on the act of individuals who have had similar experiences with substance use disorders providing each other with encouragement, hope, assistance, guidance, and understanding, all of which aid in recovery. This support can occur anytime or anywhere when two or more peers are engaged in a mutual, supportive relationship.
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Peer Recovery Support Services are designed and delivered by individuals who have experienced both substance use disorders and are in sustained recovery. These services encompass a range of non-clinical support aimed at facilitating the process of recovery and holistic wellness. They may be provided before, during, or after treatment to an individual and/or a family member of an individual with a substance use disorder. These services can be offered in individual or group settings and can be led by a Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist. They also capitalize on the desire among many in recovery to give back to their communities by providing services to others as volunteers.
Harm Reduction Values and Strategies:
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Committed to reducing the harm associated with drug use through a variety of public health interventions. Our approach is rooted in the fundamental belief that all people deserve safety and dignity, regardless of whether they use drugs. We do not treat drug use as a moral failing but focus on saving lives and protecting the health of both people who use drugs and their communities. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, individuals who use substances are more likely to suffer from HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C, mental health disorders, and chronic conditions such as cancer and lung disease.
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Our workgroup recognizes that individuals inherently deserve services that promote health, irrespective of their drug use.
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We implement evidence-based harm reduction strategies to minimize the negative consequences of drug use. These activities include expanding access to harm reduction interventions and integrating harm reduction into general medical care to provide comprehensive support.
Community Leader
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Harm Reduction Focus:
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Robert Guerrero | robert.guerrero@coloradohealthnetwork.org
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Christine Charron | christine.charron@coloradohealthnetwork.org
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PRSS Focus:
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Chris Menges | cmenges@oterogov.org
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Mickey Lucero | mickey.lucero@resada.net
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TSRG Support Contact
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Lauren Kerr | lauren@tsrg.org
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Terri Schreiber | terri@tsrg.org
Information
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Meeting Schedule: First Wednesday of every month from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM on Zoom (Include a link to register for the meetings)
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Meeting Minutes