Publications

Binge drinking is a critical public health concern, and there is a need for new innovative approaches to reduce binge drinking. This study evaluated engagement and responses to Drunken Rewind, a targeted animated series for males 18-34 years old, implemented in west Orange County, Florida. ​​​​This study adds evidence that a digital intervention aimed at reducing binge drinking can be feasibly implemented and positively received by a population that is difficult to reach with public health messaging.

In the USA, syringe services programmes (SSPs) provide a range of harm reduction services and have numerous benefits for communities. However, stigma, misconceptions about SSPs and changing policies/legislation remain a challenge to effective implementation. This study reviews the implementation of two digital interventions, Appalachian Influence and Shared Influence, which used social media influencers and digital volunteers to communicate positive information about harm reduction and SSPs.

The opioid crisis is a public health emergency in the United States, particularly in rural Pennsylvania. This study utilized an observational, cross-sectional design to examine latent subgroups of stigma and differences in support for harm reduction strategies. Findings highlight that OUD stigma profiles differ across rural Pennsylvania and are associated with varying support for harm reduction strategies. Individuals with less stigma report more support for harm reduction strategies. Interventions to implement harm reduction strategies should consider varying levels of stigma and use a targeted approach to inform implementation and messaging strategies.

This study used qualitative methods to assess how narrative storytelling could help people who have loved ones with a substance use disorder (SUD) learn about addiction, cope, and find support, and at which phase of their loved one’s recovery process are people ready to engage with this type of content. Participants viewed narrative stories as essential to support people with loved ones living with SUD. Incorporating messages of understanding, empathy, hope, solidarity, different perspectives, and the probability of long-term recovery in stories are most important to loved ones. Trusted messengers are a critical component of delivering messages and information about SUD.

In 2019, The Public Good Projects (PGP), along with its sister creative agency Straight to Tell, joined the Martha’s Vineyard Substance Use Disorder Coalition in a partnership to address substance use on Martha’s Vineyard. The first phase involved formative research, which formed the foundation for the second phase - a full-length documentary filmed by Straight To Tell. This case study provides results from the formative research behind On Island, and comments on the potential for documentary films to galvanize a community-based response to substance use.

The opioid epidemic is a public health crisis. Among initiatives surrounding treatment and prevention, opioid use disorder (OUD) stigma has emerged as a subject for intervention. A statewide sample of Pennsylvanian adults completed an online survey about the opioid epidemic. This study examines results and demographic differences of three subscales of a public stigma survey instrument: general attitudes, social distance, and treatment availability and effectiveness.

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a critical health issue. Pennsylvania has the third highest number of drug overdose deaths per year, with the COVID-19 pandemic worsening these trends. This study reports on the creation and implementation ofLife Unites Us, a digital media campaign which uses a collective impact framework to address OUD stigma reduction across Pennsylvania.