Nebraska Harm Reduction Program

09/30/2026

The evidence is clear. Individuals leaving correctional facilities are over 40x more likely to overdose within the first two weeks of being discharged compared to the general population. (Even after a year these individuals are still 10x more likely to die of an overdose).

Community integration through Peer Support and Community Support Specialists can help alleviate the burden at the point of discharge and provide a warm handoff that allows for a more seamless transition and provides life-saving support to individuals returning to the community.

We can reduce stigma and save lives through connection to a peer.



Data Source: Opioid Overdose Mortality Among Former North Carolina Inmates: 2000-2015, Table 1. (Graph: Maddy Troilo, 2018) via Prison Policy Initiative

09/23/2026

https://youtu.be/97YicShG_cs?is=Nd7VaeKjhSqSgUKl

What if sobriety isn't about everything you have to give up?What ...

09/15/2026

Sometimes I don’t even know why we do community events until the room fills with people and completely surprises me.

The initial vision for partnering with Dr. Nikki Zabik was straightforward: educate the public on the science behind the damage alcohol causes and share evidence-based ways to find connection and genuine fun in sobriety—whether someone is in recovery, sober-curious, or supporting a loved one. But as the gathering unfolded, I was reminded that simply creating intentional community opens up spaces where people feel safe enough to be vulnerable, build authentic relationships, and take the first steps toward becoming their best selves.

What I never could have planned for was that individuals in their very first hours and days of abstaining from alcohol—people carrying the weight of recent, life-altering crises—would walk through our doors and choose this room to begin their recovery journey. When you strip away the stigma and provide an open, supportive environment, public health ceases to be just an exchange of information and becomes an immediate lifeline.

A heartfelt thank-you to Dr. Nikki Zabik, Buom Dobuol, Matt Dwyer, Jill Nastase, Austin Dinges for truly handling so many last minute details and every person who showed up, shared space, and proved why building these connections matters so deeply.

Thank you to these amazing partners :
hardycoffeeco
grovejuicery
northpointrecovery
day_off_productions
unmccoph
Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center
Vanderbilt AUD Research and Education Center
Matt Dwyer for his amazing support and sharing his experience in sobriety!

09/12/2026

09/10/2026

https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbluetoad.com%2Fpublication%2F%3Fi%3D869433%26p%3D0%26view%3DissueViewer&data=05%7C02%7Cadinges%40unmc.edu%7C6deaa282018f4a1ea94308df0e94a5a7%7C84a28940b46441c3ba3bb4fa6665bc05%7C0%7C0%7C639245703988281771%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=H2AHzXZxQJjhzHdGlLaD5XY%2Fma8AppahVahMkf7t%2BIU%3D&reserved=0

Strengthening Rural Behavioral Health Mental Health Edition Exploring the people, programs, and partnerships helping rural communities expand access to mental health services. Insights and success stories from organizations that are improving behavioral health care across Nebraska. Inside This Issue...

09/07/2026

https://tinyurl.com/SoImSoberNowWhat 👈 sign up here!

Our new Community Outreach Coordinator shows you how easy it is to sign up for our FREE event 'So I'm Sober... Now What?' THIS SATURDAY at .highlander !!

What to Expect:
* 🎤 Live Comedy: Laugh out loud with comedian !
* 🧪 Interactive Science: Fun, engaging science demonstrations exploring brain health and recovery.
* 🍕 Free Food & Drinks: Delicious food and zero-proof refreshments from and coffee by
* 🎶 Community & Vibes: A lively space to hang out, meet people, and beat the boredom.
Event Details:
* 🗓 Date: September 12th
* ⏰ Time: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
* 📍 Location: The Venue at Highlander (2120 N 30th St, Omaha, NE)
* 🎟 Cost: 100% FREE!

09/05/2026

Helping to build a community that runs (jogs, walks) together 🤝 🏃‍♀

A sweaty, but fun start to the holiday weekend for our collaboration with ! We started at the and ended with some delicious, healing beverages from !

Grateful for everyone who participated and looking forward to more community building events like this one!

09/04/2026

of the podcast out here discussing the ‘So I’m Sober…Now What?’ event next Saturday the 12th!!

Are you signed up yet? You should. https://tinyurl.com/SoImSoberNowWhat

That’s why the Nebraska Harm Reduction Program and the Munroe-Meyer Institute are hosting a FREE Sober Block Party! We want to help you explore recovery, connect with community, and have a genuine blast.

What to Expect:
* 🎤 Live Comedy: Laugh out loud with comedian !
* 🧪 Interactive Science: Fun, engaging science demonstrations exploring brain health and recovery.
* 🍕 Free Food & Drinks: Delicious food and zero-proof refreshments from and coffee by
* 🎶 Community & Vibes: A lively space to hang out, meet people, and beat the boredom.

Event Details:
* 🗓 Date: September 12th
* ⏰ Time: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
* 📍 Location: The Venue at Highlander (2120 N 30th St, Omaha, NE)
* 🎟 Cost: 100% FREE!

08/25/2026

The Douglas CARES Conference on 8.24 was an illuminating day of education and collaboration composed of healthcare workers across the spectrum in Nebraska.

Director of NE Harm Reduction Paul Weishapl was able to participate in a panel of those with lived experience. The discussion ranged from the stigma opioid users face, the panel’s experiences and potential best practices for a path to less judgement.

It was a great opportunity for organizations working toward helping the most vulnerable populations to collaborate on ways to help reduce harm in the community.

08/24/2026

https://youtu.be/OslukiLQlNY?si=Y82nN66ZUNFw5zVZ
Buom Dobuol gives an incredible testimony of his very personal journey.

Recovery is personal — but it can also become a way to lift up an e...