Addressing Stigma & Harm Reduction The Changing Role of Law Enforcement
Donnie Varnell, BS Criminal JusticeAda 2
Exploring how law enforcement's role in the opioid crisis is changing and how to integrate law enforcement into harm reduction based programs.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify 2 programs to reduce ODs that involve Law Enforcement
- List steps to involve Law Enforcement in Harm Reduction Programs
- Recognize how to reduce the damage caused by stigma
Donnie is presently an investigator with the Dare County Sheriff’s Office, where he also sits on several state level committees combating prescription and opioid drug abuse, and presenting content involved with these matters. Donnie continues to work with law enforcement agencies and policy makers in promoting and enacting harm reduction-based programs such as syringe service programs and pre-arrest diversion concepts. Donnie also the coordinator for the Northeastern North Carolina Humane Trafficking Task Force. Donnie was the director of the NCHRC’s Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) Program and also served as the NCHRC’s Policing Coordinator where he was heavily involved in the Naloxone Program for Law Enforcement and First Responders. He also assisted with developing and implementing harm reduction legislation.
Thu 2:45 pm - 3:45 pm