Harm Reduction Recommendation Draft — original pdf

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. . RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Austin Travis County Public Health Commission Recommendation Number: [YYYYMMDD-XXX] Harm Reduction Outreach Expansion: This recommendation seeks to prevent overdoses in the Austin, Travis County area through outreach programs and peer support specialists that provide life-saving services directly to high- risk populations using awarded opioid abatement funds. This recommendation directly addresses priorities identified by Travis County Health and Human Services and community members including outreach, peer support capacity, and reducing the stigma surrounding substance use disorders. NOTE: The “WHEREAS” should give the background and the “NOW, THEREFORE,” should state what the Board or Commission is requesting Council to do. WHEREAS Travis County declared opioid overdoses as a public health crisis in 2022 and extended the declaration in 2024 to stay in effect until October 1, 2026. WHEREAS The City of Austin has declared a need for increased efforts to address the opioid overdose crisis in RESOLUTION NO. 20220616-053. WHEREAS Travis County recorded more than 400 accidental drug-related deaths in 2023. In 2024, Austin-Travis County reported 1,058 EMS calls and dispatches and 831 emergency department visits due to drug overdoses, highlighting the current crisis. WHEREAS Travis County has received three opioid abatement fund disbursements over the course of the next 15 years aiming to prevent, treat, or reduce overdoses and opioid use. WHEREAS an increased capacity for community outreach was identified and presented as a priority in 2024, facilitated by Travis County Health and Human Services, in collaboration with Austin-Travis County community providers WHEREAS harm reduction outreach efforts focused on opioid overdose prevention help expand access to life-saving interventions such as naloxone distribution and training, connection to community services and peer support, especially among high-risk populations such as unhoused individuals, who may face significant barriers to care due to stigma, social determinants of health, and other challenges. WHEREAS peer recovery support services is the best practice associated with improved health outcomes, increased likelihood to engage in recovery services, and reduction in stigma around substance use. . NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin Travis County Public Health Commission recommends that Travis County Health and Human Services: 1. Invest opioid abatement funds for organizations that provide Harm Reduction to expand outreach programs in Travis County. 2. Renew and increase existing opioid abatement–funded harm reduction contracts totaling $525,000 that expire September 30, 2026, and allocate additional funds to create new contracts so organizations can hire staff and expand and maintain outreach efforts. 3. Prioritize awarding opioid abatement funds to support and expand outreach for organizations that provide Harm Reduction that employ individuals with lived experience. Date of Approval: Motioned By: Seconded By: Vote: (Add the number vote here, even if unanimous) Example: 8-0 For: (For this and the below sections, list commissioner names in alphabetical order, starting with officers. If none, put “None.”) Against: Abstain: Off the dais: Absent: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or commissioner can sign)