Podcast
To the POINT Maryland is a new podcast series from POINT Center MD that elevates real-world drug user health efforts across Maryland’s diverse regions.
Season One, Pounding the Pavement, is a nod to a commonly heard idiom meaning to “walk extensively on the streets, often in search of something” or “grassroots community work.” Through real community conversations, the series highlights lived expertise, local innovation, and practical strategies that improve health and well-being for Marylanders at risk of overdose.
Season One: Pounding the Pavement
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Unpacking Sex Work and Community Engagement
Season 1, Episode 10 — This final episode of Season One of the “To the POINT Maryland” podcast examines the impact of stigma, common misconceptions, and the complex intersections of sex work. Through candid conversation we tackle how to foster meaningful engagement, and create affirming services that honor the experiences, autonomy, and resilience of sex workers.
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Sunny Side: Joy and Humor in Outreach, Continued
Season 1, Episode 9 — This episode continues our exploration of the moments that make outreach work meaningful, memorable, and fun. Join us as we share stories that highlight the power of connection, the importance of workplace joy, and the ways laughter can sustain us through even the most challenging days.
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Power of the Peer: Recovery at Work
Season 1, Episode 8 — This episode examines how peers navigate recovery while supporting others, the unique value they bring to building trust and meaningful relationships, and the importance of recognizing that recovery is not one-size-fits-all. Through candid conversation, we celebrate the many pathways to wellness and the powerful role peers play in fostering hope, connection, and community.
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Exploring Chemsex
Season 1, Episode 7 — In this episode, we’ll define and explore the topic of chemsex through a candid conversation grounded in lived experience. We will break down key terms, discuss common methods of use, examine the mental and emotional experiences of individuals who engage in chemsex, and explore what meaningful support looks like. By level setting the conversation and addressing common misconceptions, this episode aims to foster understanding, reduce stigma, and promote compassionate, informed approaches to care.
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Pregnancy, Drug Use, and Parental Rights
Season 1, Episode 6 — In this episode, we explore the intersection of pregnancy and substance use. We’ll challenge common myths and misconceptions surrounding this topic, discuss the importance of non-stigmatizing and person-centered care, and explore approaches that support treatment access, healthy outcomes, and family preservation. Join us as we learn from an experienced professional whose work centers on caring for and supporting individuals navigating these complex realities.
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Social Networks: Drug User Health in the Digital Space
Season 1, Episode 5 — In this episode, we take a fresh look at the role of social media in advancing drug user health efforts. While social media often gets a bad reputation, it can also be a powerful tool for education, outreach, and community connection. Join us as we explore how organizations can leverage digital platforms to expand health messaging, reduce stigma, and engage communities more effectively—while navigating important considerations related to safety, privacy, and misinformation. We’ll discuss practical strategies, lessons learned, and opportunities to use social media as a force for positive change.
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Southern Voices: Trust, Faith, and Health
Season 1, Episode 4 — In this episode, we explore the power of community partnerships and culturally grounded engagement strategies in Southern Maryland. What approaches are most effective when working in rural communities and faith-based settings? How can organizations build meaningful trust, foster authentic relationships, and create lasting partnerships? Join us as we dive into these questions and more with our guest speaker, a Southern Maryland resident with firsthand experience navigating and strengthening community connections.
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Sunny Side: Joy and Humor in Outreach
Season 1, Episode 3 — Tough days are part of the job when it comes to outreach and community engagement! In this episode we’ll be highlighting the uplifting and humorous stories that keep the work moving forward. We’ll discuss how to support workforce morale, resilience, and community connection through the lens of joy and humor. Our two amazing guests are coming to you straight out of their mobile unit! Be sure to take a listen!
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Psychedelics Beyond Perception
Season 1, Episode 2 — What do you know about psychedelics and how they are being used in mental health spaces? In this episode, we’ll unpack the nuanced practice of ketamine therapy, the perceptions of psychedelics, and what the community can anticipate for the future. Join us as we think outside the box to explore psychedelics together.
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Mountains and Margins: Healthcare Access in Western Maryland
Season 1, Episode 1 — This inaugural episode of the “to the POINT Maryland” podcast examines how geography shapes access to care. We are joined by outreach workers from Western Maryland, and together we review some of the issues including transportation barriers, workforce shortages, and informal support networks. What makes outreach here different? How does lived experience come into play to support the community? Tune in to find out!