Blog - Mistaken & Misunderstood: The Truth Behind Harm Reduction
Graeme Duffey – The Everywhere Project
Meta Description: As Philadelphians continue to feel the burden of the drug epidemic, we unveil the truth behind harm reduction as lifesaving care.
Harm reduction is not encouragement, it is support. Unfortunately, this misconstrued ideology plagues the fight against the drug epidemic in Philadelphia and beyond.
The rise of Fentanyl and Xylazine (Tranq) in Philadelphia has made harm reduction more important than ever. Rates of overdose deaths continue to reach record levels. Despite the horrific situation in Kensington and other Philadelphia neighborhoods, harm reduction efforts struggle to overcome public misconceptions.
This post will define harm reduction, explain why it is a crucial response to the drug epidemic, and explore its implementation in Philadelphia—highlighting successes and areas for improvement.
What is Harm Reduction?
The objective of harm reduction is to minimize the negative health impact of drug use. It is an unrealistic expectation to upend drug use altogether. However, harm reduction is a statistically backed method of addressing the drug epidemic, often leading to safer use, managed use, and on occasion sobriety.
It involves providing those afflicted by drugs the proper supplies and care to keep them safe, while also giving support and respect. Common harm reduction supplies include Narcan, substance test kits, clean needles and syringes, sharps disposal kits, sterile water, wound care, safe sex supplies, food, and much more. Drug use is a human issue that should be treated as such. Far too often, those who use drugs are condemned from society.
Topdown view of an example harm reduction kit, including needles, syringes, condoms, sharps disposal bin, etc.
Harm reduction does not entail giving clean supplies to drug users and sending them on their way. Education is a core principle of the practice, which in itself contributes to reducing risk. Harm reduction organizations will help those seeking treatment reach it, no matter the economic situation.
The Everywhere Project and other local harm reduction organizations seek to foster an environment that is inviting to those in need and educational to the surrounding community.
Common Misconceptions
Many believe harm reduction is an enabling measure for drug users, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Harm reduction has not contributed to any increase in drug usage but has saved many lives along the way. This is confirmed by the CDC’s report of decreased overdose deaths in 2024. Harm reduction reduces infections and other sanitary concerns of drug usage and gives individuals a path towards treatment.
The idea that harm reduction is only for drug users is also completely inaccurate. By providing individuals with the care they need and proper disposal equipment, litter from dangerous sharps and bodily fluids will be less prominent on the street. Additionally, proper harm reduction care is statistically proven to influence reduced crime rates in communities.
Claims that harm reduction is not a solution to the drug epidemic are also untrue, as it is proven to reduce overdose deaths and lead individuals to seek out treatment. As harm reduction measures have become more prevalent across the U.S., overdose deaths have fallen 17 percent from July 2023 to July 2024. This is a massive achievement as the rate had been steadily increasing over the past decade.
Moving Forward
Understanding the different facets of drug use, instead of ignoring it altogether, is a process we must continue to work towards. Hate, stigma, and misinformation run rampant from Philadelphia to the rest of the country. By debunking misconceptions about harm reduction, we can shift the focus from questioning whether people deserve care to ensuring they receive it.
Promoting and implementing harm reduction access across the country is the most efficient way of saving addicted individuals lives and cleaning up neighborhoods. For more information on how to support your neighborhood in fighting the ongoing drug epidemic, click here or follow us on Instagram.
Normalize & Inform: The Value of Narcan Training and Awareness
The opioid crisis continues to take thousands of lives in Pennsylvania every year, making overdose prevention more pertinent than ever. Narcan (naloxone) is one of the most effective tools in minimizing deaths related to opioid use. This over-the-counter nasal spray acts as a blocker to opioids in the brain by replacing them. It can quickly reverse the effects of an overdose, returning a victim’s consciousness and breathing. However, Narcan is not a stand-alone cure. Victims will often relapse into an overdose after the medication wears off. Proper training and education on Narcan use is essential for saving lives. By fostering a clear understanding of Narcan’s purpose and use, we can help destigmatize harm reduction and overdose prevention—key objectives of The Everywhere Project.
On top of offering a wide range of safe-use and prevention supplies, The Everywhere Project actively distributes free Narcan to communities across Philadelphia. Narcan is not cheap over the counter, often costing upwards of $56 for two sprays. Distributing this medication to local communities at no cost makes more people available to help those in need.
Narcan’s FDA-regulated expiration date has been increased to four years, but studies show that even 30 years after expiration, Narcan was over 90 percent effective. While it is always preferred to have a fresh carton of Narcan, expired Narcan should still be administered in an emergency.
The proper administration of Narcan can make the difference between life and death. Fortunately, its use is quick and easy to learn. Begin with the victim lying on their back and checking for breathing and consciousness. Insert the nozzle into the victim’s nostril, place a finger on either side of the nozzle, and firmly press the bottom plunger to release a single dose. While Narcan commonly causes withdrawal symptoms, the drug itself is not life threatening nor addictive. The real risk is waiting too long to get professional medical care, allowing the Narcan to wear off and the victim to slip back into an overdose.
The Everywhere Project encourages Philadelphia and surrounding communities to adopt Narcan into their everyday carry. It is also recommended to get proper training and education on Narcan use, whether that be from The Everywhere Project or somewhere else. Other organizations in the Philadelphia area that offer free Narcan training include Prevention Point and Substance Use Philly. Normalizing Narcan carry will save lives and help to destigmatize the opioid crisis.
The Everywhere Project can be found weekly in Kensington and LOVE Park, located at 15th and Arch Street in Center City, Philadelphia. Kensington events are held every Saturday at 12:30 p.m. EST, while LOVE Park events are held every Wednesday at 6:45 p.m. EST. Here, they can answer any questions you or the community may have about Narcan. The ultimate goal is to reduce opioid-related overdoses in Philadelphia. Carrying Narcan is the first step.
Blog - Temple Students Shine in Newest Production: Airness
Reflecting on my Experience at the Airness Dress Rehearsal
On Wed. March 21, 2024, I attended a dress rehearsal for Temple’s contemporary production of Airness. Never having been to a Temple play, I was ecstatic to see what it was all about. The production took place at Randall Theater, which is located on the first floor of Annenberg Hall. Upon entering the theater, I instantly felt like I was in a bar. A makeshift bar was located on stage left, where they served actors and actresses fictional beers. Graffiti engulfed the walls left and right and cabaret seating was scattered throughout. My classmates and I sat front and center in the bar seats, which gave us a unique experience while viewing this production. Sitting in this orientation made the audience feel like they were not just witnessing a play, but that they were watching a genuine air guitar competition unfold live.
The Play Itself
The production started in a Staten Island qualifier round for the air guitar national championships, where the protagonist Nina is introduced to the other air guitar competitors: Shreddy Eddy, Facebender, Cannibal Queen and Golden Thunder. Each character took on a distinctive aesthetic that contributed to their character development. For example, Golden Thunder took on a similar resemblance to guitar legend Jimi Hendrix. Dressed in funky flowy clothes and Hendrix’s signature headband gave me and the rest of the audience a greater understanding of his character. Golden Thunder proceeded to be possibly the funniest character throughout the play, where at one point he tore away his pants revealing American flag-printed underwear.
Airness was not only a comedy; it touched on a few important themes, such as feeling discredited as a woman in a male-dominated field and reconnecting with loved ones. While watching the play, there were multiple moments where I could feel authentic emotion from Nina and Cannibal Queen, as they struggled with their dilemma. Air guitar contestant Facebender played a comedic role, but still pulled on the heartstrings of the audience when he attempted to reconnect with his estranged daughter.
Doing the Little Things
An impressive feature of this play was the small cast that managed to not take a single intermission during the production. I specifically remember when there was an upcoming scene where Nina needed to do a costume change, so one of the “bar employees” came up to our table and took our mock drink orders. Not only was this a funny twist, but it made our table feel like we were a part of the production.
For the duration of Airness, I admired the dedication the cast had to make the play feel authentic. In many scenes, while two characters were having an interaction, other cast members would be interacting in muffled voices. There were audible boos and cheers from the “crowd” during performances, which added more comedic relief.
An actor and actress also took on the role of announcing the competitions and setting the stage for each setting. In Airness, we traveled from Staten Island to Boston to New York and more. Without these two, I would have been lost in terms of the different settings. They also announced the winners and losers from the competitions, which was a nice touch.
Final Thoughts
Temple Theaters did a magnificent job of casting this production and making it feel like a play no one has been to before. From the bar seating to the drink orders and all the other small things cast members did made this production entertaining and authentic. Temple students shined in each and every role, which highlighted the dedication they had to learning these characters.
In each air guitar performance, the students felt like they could enter a real competition if they wanted to. That is how good they were. From the dance moves to the facial expressions, they nailed these performances. Even the costume design was spot on. As I mentioned before, each character took on a specific persona that added to their character development. D Vicious and Shreddy Eddy were dressed like traditional rockstars, meanwhile, Facebender was dressed like a pirate and Golden Thunder imitated Jimi Hendrix.
Overall, I would highly consider attending another performance from Temple Theaters. Despite being just a dress rehearsal, I was left blown away. I am not usually a theater person and thought that a play about air guitar would be a little too cheesy for me. However, I was mistaken. The production of Airness was funny, positive, moving and in all just entertaining. I cannot wait to attend more productions from Temple Theaters, this way I can see more of the talent this University has to offer.
News Release - Kyle Sparkman Drops Stellar Sophomore Album
The Genre-Bending Album: Neon Fever Dream Home to Release this Summer
Philadelphia, Pa. - Thu, April 25, 2024 - Kyle Sparkman releases his long-anticipated sophomore album, Neon Fever Dream Home, across all platforms on June 7, 2024. The Philadelphia-based artist has a unique sound that delves into a plethora of genres, including: funk, rock, disco, jazz and more.
Producers for this record include Michael Cumming, Logan Roth, Arjun Dube, Jonathan Colman and Kyle Sparkman. Sparkman’s band will kick off its tour here in Philadelphia at Johnny Brenda’s on June 6, 2024.
“It's kind of a lineage that started with Hendrix and kind of transformed into John Mayer and John Frusciante from Red Hot Chili Peppers. Overall I’ve gotten a lot of comparisons to Mac Demarco and Tame Impala,” said Sparkman when asked about his biggest influences.
Sparkman began his musical career at Clemson University and has quickly become one of the hottest artists on the East Coast. His guitar-led tracks are sure to attract fans from around the world.
About Kyle Sparkman
Philadelphia native, Kyle Sparkman, found his passion as a musician from an early age and has continued to pursue his dream around the world. From attending Clemson University and starting his first band, to living in France, Sparkman has carved out his own niche in the music industry. He is the lead singer and guitarist in his band which he describes as “an accessibly groovy brand of rock that blends funk, jazz, psychedelic and live improvisation on stage.” Sparkman’s sound comes from a combination of influences spanning the early days of rock ‘n’ roll to modern-day sensations that are sure to draw attention.
About Neon Fever Dream Home
Sparkman’s sophomore album Neon Fever Dream Home will be releasing June 7, 2024, on Spotify, Apple Music or wherever you get your music streaming. The six-track album is short but sweet, featuring the single Mean Ol’ Disco, which is out now and Paper Cut, dropping May 13, 2024. Get ready for some groovy disco, jazz, funk and rock in Sparkman’s latest album!
Op-ed - Why You Should Be Buying Vintage: A Deep Dive into Sustainable Clothing in Philadelphia
Fashion is an integral part of cultures across the globe; meanwhile, it is one of the largest contributors to our climate crisis. As of 2023, the fashion industry accounts for the 3rd highest rate of pollution, behind fossil fuels and agriculture. Some say that around 92 million tons of clothing end up in landfills every year
The rise of fast fashion brands like Shein, H&M and Zara has only perpetuated the issue, resulting in a cause for panic. Millions of low-quality garments from these brands are worn less before they fall out of trend and into the trash.
One way people have tried to counteract fast fashion and climate change is by thrifting and shopping secondhand. While there are many benefits to thrifting, there are also downsides. People, including myself, have over-consumed while thrifting. The low prices spike your interest, but when you get home it just sits in the back of your closet. Ashley Song says “It made thrifting feel no different from fast fashion.”
You may be wondering what you should do to minimize your carbon footprint if thrifting is not the answer. The answer to this issue for myself has been to shop secondhand more thoughtfully. I have done this specifically by purchasing true vintage clothing from the ‘40s, ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s.
Clothing from these eras still holds up today in terms of style and function. Timeless pieces of clothing, such as button-ups, flannels, chore coats, trousers, dresses, denim and more sit in great condition to this day.
Much of this is due to garments being made with more intention and care. Wardrobe sizes from this era were only meant to hold a few pieces of clothing that would stand the test of time. Suits and dresses would be worn more frequently, reducing the need for an extensive wardrobe. Society today is influenced to shop for new clothes more often, while some people wear things only once. This is simply not a sustainable practice. People used to know how to repair their own clothes, allowing them to continue wearing the same items without purchasing them again and again. This is not just functional; having your own personal repairs in your clothes makes it uniquely yours.
A major downside to shopping for true vintage clothing is the accessibility aspect. Clothing from these eras tends to come at a much higher price point. This turns many people away, as they wonder why they would pay the price of a new garment for an old used one. While prices are high, the idea is that you will have to shop less often, while still having a unique garment that you can wear for a long time. Still, a plethora of people will not have access to these clothes because of the price.
Additionally, true vintage clothing can be hard to come by and most people do not know where to look. Because this is such a niche interest, stores to buy this kind of clothing are few and far between. However, Philadelphians are lucky enough to have some of the best true vintage clothing stores on the East Coast
Stickball is a vintage clothing store located in Old City, Philadelphia that carries a wide variety of true vintage denim, military and workwear for men and women. The space is inviting and makes you feel like you are stepping back in time. Stickball also does their mending and repairs in house and provides this service to others.
Briar Vintage is an extensive collection of true vintage clothing for men and women located on the top floor of the Bulk Vintage Warehouse in Northeast Philadelphia. This store is appointment only, but they hold open-house events monthly. You can look to find anything from the ‘80s or before, from baseball jerseys to Victorian dresses.
Sustainable fashion is achievable if everyone does their part by purchasing thoughtfully. True vintage clothing is an option for people to reduce their carbon footprint while supporting small businesses and remaining fashionable.