WSHA has partnered with Thriving Together NCW and the Grand Columbia Health Alliance to launch the “BeThere” campaign across Central and Eastern Washington to reduce stigma and encourage support for people suffering from substance use disorder. The campaign runs through March with regional billboards, social media posts, and radio and television spots. The messaging targets Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, Lincoln and Okanogan counties.
Drug overdose deaths in the U.S. spiked in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, with more than 109,000 deaths in 2022 alone. This led to a decrease in life expectancy. Recovery is possible, and there are resources available to help. Support networks are key, and we want to empower loved ones to be there for those suffering from substance use disorder, because research has repeatedly shown that strong social networks lead to better outcomes.
The Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) is funding the campaign. RCORP is a national program that supports prevention, treatment and recovery among people in rural communities struggling with substance use disorder and opioid use disorder. It supports a network of grantees in rural communities — such as nonprofits, hospitals and schools — to offer training and technical assistance to enact change in their communities.
Learn more about the BeThere campaign at www.thrivingtogether.org/bethere. (Darcy Jaffe)
This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number GA145991, the Rural Communities Opioid Response‐Implementation totaling $1,000,000 with 25% percent financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.
