System of Care: Addressing Substance Use Through an Equity Lens

Our region’s substance use crisis exists at the intersection of public policy, public health, and criminal justice issues. This complex crisis requires systems thinking, a harm reduction framework, and a lens of equity to undo the programs and policies that proliferated the crisis and promote effective strategies that improve community health.  

Please join the Health Funders Affinity Groups for a program highlighting the substance use landscape in Maryland. This session will cover the criminalization of substance use based on race, from the mid-20^th century to today. Additionally, strategies to address substance use including, the Harm Reduction Training Institute, safe consumptions sites, stabilizations centers, and others will be discussed.

Our Speakers will be:

• Crista Taylor, President and CEO, Behavioral Health System Baltimore
• Bernard Gyebi-Foster, Executive Director, Tuerk House
• Harriet Smith, Executive Director, Baltimore Harm Reduction Coalition

This program is for Maryland Philanthropy Network members and invited guests only.