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An interprofessional group of students from the University of New England recently presented about their work to reduce harm for individuals leaving the Cumberland County Jail at the (MERN) Statewide Convening on Tuesday, Feb. 11.

The virtual presentation highlighted the team's collaborative work to support individuals transitioning out of the criminal justice system and to address the stigma surrounding substance use disorder (SUD) through innovative harm reduction initiatives.

The work is funded by a �Ӱ���Ƶ Center to Advance Interprofessional Education and Practice (CAIEP) Interprofessional Student-led Mini-grant and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration through MaineHealth, Maine’s largest hospital network. 

The project brings together a team of students and faculty from �Ӱ���Ƶ’s various colleges and disciplines, including the College of Osteopathic Medicine, the Physician Assistant program, , and degree programs in physical therapy, biological sciences, psychology, and medical biology.

The primary objectives of the project include:

• Supporting the successful reintegration of individuals leaving the Cumberland County Jail (CCJ)
• Equipping correctional officers with wellness resources to foster a healthier and more supportive environment
• Reducing overdose risk by providing access to evidence-based harm reduction supplies and resources
• Breaking down stigma and advocating for compassionate, informed approaches to SUD care

Kris Hall, M.F.A., CAIEP program manager and interprofessional student group advisor, said the project's success can be attributed to the access provided by �Ӱ���Ƶ's longstanding collaboration with the CCJ and key community partners, including MaineHealth and local harm reduction and transit organizations. 

“These partnerships have been instrumental in ensuring that individuals reentering the community have access to the essential resources, knowledge, and support needed to thrive,” Hall said.

The presentation strengthened partnerships for future projects to further advance harm reduction efforts across Maine, Hall said. Through participation in the Feb.11 statewide meeting, with 68 interdisciplinary professionals in attendance, �Ӱ���Ƶ’s harm reduction team shared their work, answered questions, and received feedback and offers of resources for the kits. 

“It was incredibly helpful to learn about additional resources that we can include in our resource packet for individuals leaving CCJ,” remarked Reilly Dunning ’27, a second-year medical student.

MERN Founder Bruce Noddin followed up after the meeting to say, “We are still talking about your work and how hopeful we are for the future of health care, substance use treatment, harm reduction, and reduced substance use stigma.”