Topic: Harm Reduction Resources for Congregations

In the workshop Harm Reduction Resources for Congregations, we will explore different models of understanding substance use, what harm reduction is and how it relates to drug overdose prevention, how the values of harm reduction align with UCC values, and what individuals and congregations can do to respond to the overdose crisis. This webinar is for those who are curious and would like to understand this topic more, those ready to take action but unclear what their next steps are, those heavily involved in this work already, and everyone in between. The hope and intention is for folks to come away with a real tether to a community involved in this life-saving ministry as well as insights, perspective, and perhaps even more questions about what a harm reduction response means for them and their congregations.

Facilitator: Rev. Dr. Elyse Berry

Rev. Dr. Elyse Berry, DMin serves as the Associate for Advocacy and Leadership Development for The Council of Health and Human Service Ministries of the United Church of Christ. She is part of the national working group for the UCC’s Harm Reduction and Overdose Prevention Ministries and the Harm Reduction Network of the Heartland Conference. Prior to her role with CHHSM, Berry spent nearly a decade as a hospital chaplain and then as a clinical ethics fellow, where she witnessed the impact of the overdose crisis in Ohio. Berry holds a Doctor of Ministry in Spirituality from the Fordham University Graduate School of Religion and is an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). She is married to Rev. Mark Berry and is the proud mother of two spirit-filled children and three adorable cats.