Over the course of this season, we debunked myths surrounding harm reduction, substance use disorders and homelessness within our tribal and rural communities. This recap illustrates the negative impact that stereotypes can spread through communities, and the heartfelt narratives of those who work every day to heal those wounds. We worked hard to prove that harm reduction builds healthier communities, is more effective in reducing overdose deaths and infectious disease and promotes a better understanding of opioid use disorder.

DEBUNKED: substance use disorders and harm reduction on Tuesday's Access Utah

DEBUNKED is the only Utah podcast combining evidence-based health practices with storytelling to dispel harmful myths and stereotypes about people who use drugs, persons in recovery, and evidenced-based harm reduction efforts. Our mission is to foster understanding and reduce stigma. Every episode features the voices of people directly affected, researchers and medical professionals, and community partners. Our aim is to nurture an open dialogue around what has been a taboo topic in Utah for far too long. DEBUNKED is a project of the Tribal and Rural Opioid Initiative, housed in the Office of Health Equity and Community Engagement of the Utah State University College of Education and Human Services, Department of Kinesiology and Health Science, in partnership with USU Extension. The Tribal and Rural Opioid Initiative (TROI), promotes evidence-based best practices across the state of Utah in an attempt to reduce the burden of the opioid crisis in our home state, particularly in our tribal and rural communities. Our 12-person editorial board is made up of local individuals from tribal communities, harm reduction organizations, substance use treatment programs, Extension professionals, and public health experts.  Utah Public Radio produces the podcast, with support from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Rural Opioid Technical Assistance program.