Supporting Recovery & Prevention in Marshall County
Marshall County is dedicated to harm reduction efforts that support community health, recovery, and education. From overdose prevention and peer recovery programs to youth vaping education and parental awareness initiatives, there are many resources available. Click on the sections below to learn more about each program and how they are making a difference in our community.
- Bowen Health’s Commitment to Harm Reduction
Bowen Health plays a critical role in harm reduction throughout Marshall County, offering multiple programs and initiatives to support recovery and overdose prevention. These include:
- Hiring and training peer navigators to provide direct support for individuals in recovery.
- Suicide and Overdose Fatality Review (SOFR) Team, led by Stephanie Godsey, which meets monthly to analyze data and develop strategies to prevent future tragedies.
- Expanding general overdose prevention strategies and programs across the county.
- Increasing the availability of Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid, ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences), QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention training, and Narcan/harm reduction education.
- Peer Recovery Support in Marshall County
Marshall County is home to dedicated Peer Recovery Coaches (PRCs) who provide direct support to individuals struggling with SUD:
- Jessica Joseph and Skye Vickers are PRCs operating under the Marshall County Health program, helping individuals navigate their recovery journey through evidence-based practices (EBPs), life skills, and lived experience.
- Kenny has been hired as a Recovery Navigator, assisting individuals in accessing treatment and resources.
- Bowen Health is currently working on hiring a program director and developing a Recovery Community Organization (RCO) to expand harm reduction efforts.
- Support Groups and Community Engagement
- Recovery Connections – A peer-led support group for individuals in recovery, hosted by Skye Vickers every Friday. Skye is also launching a new support group for teens struggling with substance use.
- CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training) Group – Held on Monday evenings at the library, this group, led by Jessica Joseph, offers support for family members of those struggling with substance use disorder.
- Breathe Easy Marshall County Alliance & Tobacco-Free Education
As part of our broader harm reduction efforts, the Marshall County Health Department has partnered with the Breathe Easy Marshall County Alliance to address the dangers of tobacco and vaping. Led by Annette Haining, the Marshall County Tobacco Education Coordinator, the Alliance promotes tobacco-free education and prevention programs.
- You and Me Vape Free Program
This evidence-based program, sponsored by the Marshall County Health Department with funding from Health First Indiana, educates fourth-grade students about the dangers of vaping. Taught in all Marshall County schools by Jalysa Gibson, the program follows a curriculum developed by Stanford University and focuses on:
- The impact of vaping on physical, mental, and behavioral health.
- Health disparities and the effects of nicotine on adolescent brain development.
- Environmental concerns related to e-cigarette waste.
- Positive stress-management techniques, such as reading, outdoor activities, and talking to trusted adults.
- Stash Uncovered: A Mock Bedroom Experience
To help parents and guardians recognize potential dangers in their children's environments, the Marshall County Health Department and the Breathe Easy Marshall County Alliance have launched "Stash Uncovered." This mobile educational trailer is designed as a mock teenage bedroom, filled with hidden items that could signal substance use, such as disguised smoking and vaping devices. The exhibit is set up at community events throughout Marshall County, allowing parents to learn how to spot these risks and keep their children safe.