Vital Strategies

More than 110,000 people in the United States died from overdose in 2022, and mortality rates are now highest in Black and Indigenous communities. To reduce overdose deaths and address health disparities, harm reduction organizations and health care providers must center their work around racial justice. Creating meaningful change goes beyond stating that racial justice is a priority: Change requires action, commitment and re-examining practices that uphold white supremacy culture. A new, free online racial equity course, “Taking Action on Racial Equity in Drug User Health Programs,” is now available to equip participants with practical steps they can take to center racial justice on a personal, organizational and community level. Vital Strategies’ Overdose Prevention Program collaborated with In the Works, which provides harm reduction e-learning, and Reframe Health and Justice Consulting to develop the course, designed for organizations that work with people who use drugs. Access the course here: https://lnkd.in/eUP7teNr

November 25 is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the kick-off of World Health Organization's #16Days of activism against gender-based violence. Today, we’re spotlighting a critical new intervention from our partner, the Ministry of Women's Affairs of Cambodia (MoWA) in Cambodia. In collaboration with the Bloomberg Philanthropies #Data4Health Initiative, leaders from the MoWA developed a policy brief through the #DataToPolicy program that will guide the expansion of One Stop Service Units providing life-saving support services for survivors of gender-based violence. Pictured here is Sambath Reatanak, Vital’s country coordinator in Cambodia, proudly wearing orange in support of the campaign. #DataImpact #OrangeTheWorld #EndViolence

Applications for the Bloomberg Philanthropies Awards for Global Tobacco Control close today, Nov. 25. These awards honor organizations advancing MPOWER policies like tobacco monitoring, smoke-free laws, quit programs, ad bans, and tax increases. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gCdn4VKa

Journalists hold the power to transform public attitudes toward road safety and influence policy priorities for safer streets. By framing road crashes as a preventable public health issue, the media can shift perceptions and drive change. Writing in Global Health Now, Kristi Saporito, Deputy Director of our Road Safety Program, shares how journalist training programs are helping reshape the narrative around road safety. Read the article. https://lnkd.in/gPsbth2J

Inspiring! Dublin welcomed urban mobility expert Janette Sadik-Khan this week and we couldn’t be prouder of the city’s partnership with #Cities4Health to make streets safer and more walkable and bikeable. Bloomberg Philanthropies, World Health Organization

“We’re just really trying to keep people alive. Punishment is not the answer.” Joy Rucker lost four cousins to overdose and drug use. She’s speaking out, calling for an end to criminalization to address the overdose crisis, in this video series we created with Broken No More and Luceo Creative Media Group.

We're honored to win at the Shorty Awards ?? in the Short Form Video category for our film The Data Healing the Lungs of a City, and an audience honor award. This film highlights how we and partners are addressing air quality and promoting clean air action in Jakarta, Indonesia. https://lnkd.in/eBye-tgi

We’re thrilled to have attended #HSR2024 this week and shared 2 presentations on how policymakers can strengthen health systems and save lives with strong data analysis and use. ?? In Colombia, public health officials are monitoring the impact of poor air quality on mortality at subnational levels, using the results to guide local health policy and decision-making. ?? Bloomberg Philanthropies #Data4Health Initiative’s Data-Centered Leadership approach builds capacity in health leaders for data-driven decisions and a culture of data use. Most recently, in Shanghai and Papua New Guinea, Data-Centered Leadership has empowered over 150 leaders to enhance data review and decision processes, leading to 85 data use improvement plans. #DataImpact

Our CEO Mary-Ann Etiebet, MD, MBA joined the The World Bank, Center for Global Development and the Population Council for the launch of Pathways to Prosperity for Adolescent Girls in Africa. A key finding from the report: 51% of African girls ages 15 to 19 are either out of school, married, or have children. Girls must have the ability to decide their paths and be empowered to succeed. Read the full report: https://lnkd.in/gPJdyVzP

Exciting news! The Partnership for Healthy Cities' Guardian Labs feature “How to Become a Healthier City,” earned an esteemed Anthem Award in the Health category. This feature highlights how cities are working to prevent noncommunicable diseases and injuries around the globe. #Cities4Health Learn more: https://lnkd.in/esu76q4v Explore the feature: https://lnkd.in/e_WPJqx6 Bloomberg Philanthropies World Health Organization The Anthem Awards