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The Upper Valley Region is a testament to life's striking contrasts. This picturesque area, bisected by the Connecticut River, extends across New Hampshire and Vermont, encompassing several towns. Among these is the affluent enclave of Hanover, New Hampshire, known for being the home of Dartmouth College. Yet venture a few miles from the Ivy League town, and you're transported into the heart of isolated rural landscapes. Here, much like in other rural corners of America, the shadow of substance use and the opioid crisis has been cast over some inhabitants. In response to a surge in overdose fatalities, harm reduction has become an indispensable resource in the region.
Survival Story: An Artistic Approach to Harm Reduction was inspired by my hands-on experience in harm reduction across both states. A pivotal moment occurred as I sat in a mobile phlebotomy van, under the dim glow of a headlamp, preparing to do a blood draw on a participant in the HIV/hepatitis C treatment program with which I work. Her reluctance to seek treatment at local hospitals due to fear of judgment and trauma underscored a common narrative of stigma experienced by people who use drugs.
After being overprescribed pain medication following surgery, I developed opioid use disorder (OUD) and saw firsthand how stigma and a lack of empathy created negative outcomes. It's a story I am resolved to change.
Building on his experience, Huntley created workshops that combined visual storytelling with Narcan training, and brought together individuals in recovery, healthcare professionals, and community members. Collaborating with the DALI Lab at Dartmouth, he is now transforming “Survival Story” into an interactive web-based experience. To read more, click here or visit analytic-room.com/community-projects.