We Are Not People to Be Used

DISCLAIMER: my biggest apologies for the unexplained feedback that will keep randomly coming up throughout the episode. Mark sounds fantastic, but my audio kept sounding like an echo or like another person's convo in the background and I could not edit it out completely. However, it was such a good convo and I want you to hear Mark's story, so try to ignore my shitty sound quality. I didn't hear it in my headphones while I was recording at all, so that's a fun thing to investigate.

ANYWAY, thank you for coming to hang out again with me for another episode despite my shit sound quality. I had such a great convo with my friend, Mark Jachym about all of the things. He talks about his life before harm reduction as a correctional officer, along with his journey through recovery and how that has evolved into the work that he does today. I hope you enjoy the convo!

***

Mark Jachym is a harm reduction coordinator, advocate, and speaker with both professional and lived experience in substance use, recovery, and criminal justice system involvement. He works on the front lines of low-barrier shelter and overdose prevention and reversal, where he focuses on meeting people where they are, without judgment, preconditions, or stigma.

Mark brings a direct, grounded perspective shaped by his own history with chaotic substance use, incarceration, and recovery. His work centers on practical harm reduction strategies, overdose prevention education, syringe access services, and overdose prevention center advocacy, and creating shelter spaces where the only requirement for entry is the need for shelter.

Mark challenges the traditional narratives around addiction, housing, and public safety. He advocates for policies that prioritize dignity, evidence-based interventions, and the voices of people most impacted by the overdose crisis.