Start Healing Now

04/23/2026

The countdown is on! With just a few days left until Drug , take some time to collect your unused and expired medications. Then log on to find more information about Saturday’s event and a collection site near you: dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids/drug-take-back-day.htm

04/23/2026

This Saturday! 💊

Gather all unneeded, unused or expired medications for . Safely dispose of them at one of the nearly 4,200 drop-off locations to prevent misuse and protect our communities. www.dea.gov/takebackday
The United States Department of Justice

04/19/2026

Losing someone to overdose changes everything—but their story can still save lives. 💜

Honor your loved one with an O.A.K. (Overdose Aid Kit) Memorial Installation and help protect others in your community.

Learn more: https://starthealingnow.org/o-a-k-memorial-installation-guide/

Your loved one mattered. Their life continues to make a difference. 💜

04/18/2026

At Start Healing Now, our mission is simple: save lives and support recovery. 💜

From expanding access to NARCAN® to supporting families across Wisconsin, we’re focused on meeting people where they are and helping them move forward.

👉 See what drives our work:
https://starthealingnow.org/our-priorities/

If you believe in this mission, please consider supporting our work—every action makes a difference.

Recovery is possible. And it starts with all of us. ❤️

04/17/2026

Spring speakers revealed! Register for free at www.arcouncil.net/webinars!🌿

04/16/2026

04/15/2026

What’s Harm Reduction?

Wonder how everything from bike helmets, to sunscreen, to naloxone, can be considered “harm reduction”? Well, the basic concept of harm reduction provides evidence-based interventions focused on reducing harm to people.

Bike helmets prevent brain injury, sunblock prevents skin cancer, and naloxone can save the life of someone who has overdosed on opioids. 💜

Harm reduction treats individuals with substance use disorders with dignity and respect using a social justice and health equity lens.

04/14/2026

💜 April brings two important opportunities to take action and raise awareness in our communities:

• National Drug 💊 Take Back Day on April 25 is a safe, anonymous way to dispose of unused or expired medications—helping prevent misuse and protect our families.

Find a collection site near you through the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration: https://www.dea.gov/takebackday
https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids/drug-take-back-day.htm

• National Fentanyl 🧫 Awareness Day on April 29 serves as a critical reminder of the dangers of fentanyl and the importance of education, prevention, and access to life-saving tools like Narcan.

Learn more and access resources at National Fentanyl Awareness Day: https://www.fentanylawarenessday.org

04/13/2026

We’re honored to share a powerful new story in our Healing in Focus series.

“My Recovery Story – a slow, meandering journey” by Tom Farley is an honest reflection on what recovery really looks like—not a straight path, but one shaped by growth, vulnerability, and connection.

Stories like this remind us that healing isn’t linear, and no one has to walk it alone.

💜 Every story matters. Every story brings hope.

Read Tom’s story here:
https://starthealingnow.org/my-recovery-story-a-slow-meandering-journey-by-tom-farley/

04/13/2026

Our April newsletter is here 💜

This month, we’re sharing highlights from Recovery Night with the Bucks, our latest Healing in Focus story featuring Tom Farley, and updates on our continued work across Wisconsin to expand access to life-saving resources.

https://starthealingnow.org/updates-and-insights/