̶T̶o̶u̶g̶h̶ Love campaign promotes social connection to prevent overdoses
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
Learn more and download materials to share at kitsappublichealth.org/love.
When it comes to overdose prevention, connection is everything.
Judgment and stigma isolate people, cutting them off from lifelines when they need help the most. Real, human connection is proven to be a powerful factor for keeping people safe and empowering them to access the support they need.
"Whether it’s a friend, a family member or a coworker, most of us know someone who uses drugs and far too many of us have lost a loved one to a drug overdose,” Kitsap Public Health District Health Officer Dr. Herbie Duber said. "To seek help, people need to feel safe and they need to feel valued. That’s why it’s so important for us to set aside judgment, stay connected, and lead with love.”
A Kitsap Public Health District campaign launching this week promotes the power of social connection and the need to reduce stigma around substance use. Titled “Tough Love,” the campaign emphasizes that when it comes to keeping people safe, being “tough” often does more harm than good. By showing love instead of judgment, we can empower people to make safer choices and access the support that everyone deserves.
“We know that each relationship and each conversation looks a little different, and that people have different experiences with drug use and recovery,” Health District Community Health Director Lynn Pittsinger said.
“We also know that kindness, compassion, and an open-hearted approach are recommended to foster hope and long-term healing. Our goal for this campaign is to offer Kitsap residents an evidence-based tool they can use to support adults in their lives.”
The Health District developed the campaign with input from local social and health services partners and community members who have lived experience with substance use. Tough Love campaign materials were adapted from a NACCHO (National Association of County and City Health Officials) initiative.
Campaign messages will be displayed in digital and print ads throughout the county this spring.
Spread the love!
More information, links to local resources, and a downloadable toolkit of materials are available at kitsappublichealth.org/love.
Share your feedback
Let us know if you find this campaign useful, if you see campaign messages in the community, or if you have feedback or questions. Email pio@kitsappublichealth.org or fill out the form at the top of the campaign website.
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