International Overdose Awareness Day is held each year on August 31. We mark this day to remember those who have been lost to fatal drug overdose and celebrate those who have been rescued from or assisted in rescuing someone from an overdose. We also take this day to work towards reducing the stigma of overdose and drug use. In this episode, we speak with Sean Hemmerle, Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution Consultant at the Washington State Department of Health, about opioids, mental health, and the importance of a harm reduction approach.
Sean Hemmerle is the Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution Consultant at the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). He facilitates statewide naloxone distribution to organizations that work with people at risk of experiencing or witnessing overdoses. Before joining DOH in 2019, Sean worked as a Community Health Outreach Worker for the Tacoma Needle Exchange. Sean received a BA in Cultural Anthropology and Social Welfare in 2017 from The Evergreen State College-Olympia.
Christina Clayton has been working in the behavioral health field since 1993 working with people and programs addressing severe mental health issues, substance use, co-occurring issues, chronic homelessness, integrated care, outreach, physical health, trauma and diversity/equity/inclusion topics. Christina has education and licenses/credentials in clinical social work, mental health and substance use. She is also a Clinical Assistant Professor and Field Instructor for the University of Washington School of Social Work (MSW ’97). Learn more about MHTTC Staff & Faculty
