According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, a staggering 85 percent of the U.S. prison population either has a substance use disorder or was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of their arrest. Local corrections officers report similar numbers in Grand County. They say they are tired of being a revolving door for substance use related issues. But now, Grand County’s Sheriff's Office is establishing a stronger partnership with local recovery services. Together – using principles of harm reduction – they aim to open new pathways to long-term recovery for current and formerly incarcerated community members.

// Plus, the Weekly News Reel! Sophia Fisher of The Times-Independent discusses a proposed change to the BLM that would enable the agency to classify public land for conservation as a formal “use,” a yoga class for first responders and a drop in Grand County residential taxes. Alison Harford of the Moab Sun News talks about the lineup for Moab’s Free Concert Series, an upcoming talk by author David Gessner, who writes about climate change in Moab in his new book, and she previews the agenda for next week’s Grand County Fair.

// Show Notes:

// Photo: Elements of a harm reduction safety kit include overdose reversal tools, wound care and fentanyl test strips. When people get released from the Grand County jail, they now have the option to take a safety kit.

// Moab Regional Recovery Center

https://mrhmoab.org/recovery-center/

// USARA

https://www.myusara.com/moab/

// Harm Reduction

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/harm-reduction

// Drug Overdose Death Rates

https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates

// Weekly News Reel Mentions:

// The Times-Independent: BLM conservation rules causes barbs at commission meeting

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/commission-split-over-blm-conservation-rule-barbs-exchanged/

// The Times-Independent: The yoga class curated for first responders

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/the-yoga-class-curated-for-first-responders/

// The Times-Independent: Residences should see county property taxes drop, but businesses will hurt

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/residences-should-see-county-property-taxes-drop-but-businesses-will-hurt/

// Moab Sun News: Moab Free Concert Series lineup: Prepare for summer dance parties

https://moabsunnews.com/2023/06/22/free-concert-lineup-2023/

// Moab Sun News: David Gessner will visit Moab on tour with his new climate book

https://moabsunnews.com/2023/06/22/david-gessner-to-visit-moab/

// Moab Sun News: County Fair returns after 22-year absence

https://moabsunnews.com/2023/06/22/county-fair-returns-after-22-year-absence/