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Harm Reduction

Education & Resources

The Marshall County Health Department is committed to reducing the harm caused by substance use, unsafe disposal of medications and needles, and vaping. Through various initiatives and partnerships, we aim to provide life-saving resources, education, and prevention programs to keep our community safe.

Naloxone

A Critical Life-Saving Resource

Naloxone, commonly known by the brand name Narcan®, is a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses and save lives. The Marshall County Health Department has made it a priority to make Naloxone available to everyone in our community at no cost. We believe in ensuring that no one has to face the devastating consequences of an opioid overdose. Through partnerships with local organizations and agencies, we have strategically placed Naloxone boxes at various locations throughout the county. Please see the map below for locations where you can find Naloxone boxes.

opioid rescue box outside Marshall County Health Department building

Sharp Disposal Container with Needle

Medication and Needle Disposal

Protecting Our Community

Proper disposal of unused or expired medications is vital for the safety of our community, particularly for children, teens, and young adults. Improper disposal of medications can lead to accidental poisoning, misuse, or abuse, especially when medications are left in easily accessible locations. Children and teens may unknowingly take medications or use them to experiment, putting their health at risk. Additionally, the improper disposal of medications—such as flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—can contaminate our water supply and harm the environment. The Marshall County Health Department encourages everyone to use the medication disposal drop boxes at designated locations throughout the county.

Needles and other sharp objects should never be disposed of in regular trash, as they pose serious risks to sanitation workers and the general public. Proper disposal in designated sharps containers is essential for reducing the risk of needle-stick injuries, preventing the spread of diseases, and keeping our community safe. Sharps containers can be brought to the Marshall County Health Department for safe needle disposal.

Locations for Naloxone & Medication Disposal

To ensure that the community has easy access to these vital resources, Naloxone boxes and medication disposal drop boxes are available at several locations throughout Marshall County. These locations are:

  1. Marshall County Health Department – 510 West Adams Street #30, Plymouth, IN 46563 (Naloxone Box & Sharps Collection)
  2. Bowen Center – 401 West Jefferson Street, Plymouth, IN 46563 (Naloxone Box)
  3. Economy Inn – 2535 N Michigan Street, Plymouth, IN 46563 (Naloxone Box)
  4. Marshall County Sheriff’s Department – 1400 Pioneer Drive, Plymouth, IN 46563 (Naloxone Box & Medication Disposal Drop-Box)
  5. Beacon Community Hospital of Bremen – 1020 High Road, Bremen, IN (Medication Disposal Drop-Box)
  6. Claypool Police Department – 408 South Graceland Ave., Claypool, IN (Medication Disposal Drop-Box)

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.

    Breath Easy Stash Uncovered staged teen bedroom with hidden vape Breathe Easy Stash Uncovered trailer