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ballantynebeat.bsky.social
Brittany Ballantyne (she/her)
@ballantynebeat.bsky.social
1.2K followers 650 following 230 posts
Comms manager @harmreduction.org, photographer | Formerly comms at Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence & schools, reporter/photographer for The Valley Breeze Newspapers | Views my own

Believe survivors. 🌻 | 🇿🇦 always

R.I.➡️N.H.➡️Cape Town➡️CT
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Reposted by Brittany Ballantyne (she/her)
harmreduction.org
🧵This National HIV/AIDS & Aging Awareness Day, we're uplifting the importance of ensuring folks w/ #HIV can age w/ their dignity & human right to #HealthCare & #Housing respected.

As this @statnews.com piece notes, "Without safeguards, scientific progress could...

bit.ly/HIVSurvivorsBenefits
A cure for HIV would be a triumph. But it shouldn’t harm survivors
Long-term survivors deserve to see a cure, not fear the losses it might bring.
bit.ly
September 18, 2026 at 3:03 PM
Reposted by Brittany Ballantyne (she/her)
harmreduction.org
Join us for today's Lighthouse session! We hope to see you there.

#HarmReduction #HarmReductionIsHealthCare #TraumaInformedCare #BodilyAutonomy #BodyAutonomy #QueerHarmReduction #HCV #HCVPrevention #HepatitisC #PREP
harmreduction.org National Harm Reduction Coalition @harmreduction.org · Jul 23
🧵NHRC's Lighthouse Learning Collective @hrc-lighthouse.bsky.social has updated 2 October sessions on Oct. 2 & Oct. 9! Check out the updated details below. We hope you'll join us for these free sessions starting next month that will focus on a range of topics, including...
campsite.bio/harmreduction
A vibrant, retro grid background fills frame with purple, red, and orange gradients with black graph-like lines, warped near middle. Over white box outlined in black at top center, purple font reads, “ LIGHTHOUSE LEARNING WEBINARS”. Over yellow sun-like shape, purple text reads, "UPDATE!" with smaller black text below reading "Swipe" beside black arrow pointing right. Lighthouse logo in top right corner. At top left are three purple line designs with yellow stars. Over text boxes at center left below, orange copy reads, "TOPICS INCLUDE" with smaller black font below reading, "Queer Harm Reduction | Trauma-Informed Care | LGB/TGNC HCV Prevention | Kink & Altered States of Mind | Chemsex 101 | PrEP/PEP 101". Purple copy at right reads, "SAVE THE FOLLOWING DATES!". Smaller white font over black background below reads, "August 14 | September 4 | September 18 | October 2 | October 9 | October 30". In boxes below, are a calendar emoji, yellow stars, calendar emoji beside conversation bubble reading, "Mark your calendars!", and black font reading, "TIME: 12 P.M.-2 P.M. ET" on a computer screen graphic beside a clock emoji. A vibrant, retro grid background fills frame with blue and green gradients with black graph-like lines, warped near middle. Over white box outlined in black at top center, hot pink font outlined in black reads, “LIGHTHOUSE LEARNING WEBINAR”. At top left are 3 yellow “sparkle” icons. Over text boxes at center below, copy reads, “FRIDAY, AUG. 14” and 12 P.M.-2P.M. ET" beside calendar and clock emojis. Copy reads, “LGBT PWUD (QUEER HARM REDUCTION)." Black copy over yellow text box at bottom left reads, “Register HERE: bit.ly/LGBTPWUD. Yellow arrow outlined in black with red dots toward bottom middle. Lighthouse logo at top right. Same logo and background with purple and pink gradients with black graph-like lines, warped near middle. Over white box outlined in black at top center, hot pink font outlined in black reads, “LIGHTHOUSE LEARNING WEBINAR”. At top left are 3 yellow “sparkle” icons. Over text boxes at center left below, copy reads, “FRIDAY, SEPT. 4 | 12 P.M.-2 P.M. ET” beside calendar and clock emojis. Black copy over yellow text box at bottom left reads, “Register HERE: bit.ly/TIC94”. At right center copy reads, "TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE" in white font over blue background. Yellow arrow outlined in black with red dots toward bottom middle. Same logo and background with yellow and pink gradients with black graph-like lines, warped near middle. Over white box outlined in black at top center, hot pink font outlined in black reads, “LIGHTHOUSE LEARNING WEBINAR”. At top left are 3 yellow “sparkle” icons. Over text boxes at center below, copy reads, “FRIDAY, SEPT. 18 | 12 - 2 P.M. ET” beside calendar and clock emojis. Black copy over yellow text box at bottom left reads, “Register HERE: bit.ly/HCVLGBT". White font over blue background at right center reads, "HEPATITIS C PREVENTION FOR LGB/TGNC INDIVIDUALS AND COMMUNITY" Blue arrow outlined in black with pink dots toward bottom middle.
September 18, 2026 at 1:28 PM
Reposted by Brittany Ballantyne (she/her)
harmreduction.org
🧵The so-called " #WarOnDrugs" & the surveillance state are intertwined. While we lose so many loved ones to preventable #Overdoses, #OpioidSettlementFunds are being invested in #Flock cameras & similar tracking technology rather than in saving lives.

bit.ly/OpioidSettlementFundsForFlock
Police are spending opioid settlement funds on Flock cameras
Historic opioid settlements were supposed to be a lifeline for underserved communities. But much of that money is flowing to law enforcement.
bit.ly
September 17, 2026 at 7:44 PM
Reposted by Brittany Ballantyne (she/her)
altnps.bsky.social
DOGE was sold as a “massive money-saving operation.” But it actually saved nothing. The story was always about gutting the federal workforce and reshaping the agencies themselves. A new GAO report estimates federal agencies spent $9.5 billion on paid administrative
September 16, 2026 at 2:32 PM
Reposted by Brittany Ballantyne (she/her)
harmreduction.org
🧵Vuelve Las Américas! La NHRC se complace en resaltar y amplificar las voces y experiencias de las personas latine y caribeñas dedicadas a la reducción de daños durante #LasAméricas (tradicionalmente conocido como el " #MesDeLaHerenciaHispana"), que se celebra del 15 de septiembre al 15 de octubre.
Un degradado rosa ocupa la mayor parte del gráfico, con un borde estampado en blanco y negro que separa el degradado del bloque blanco situado en la parte inferior del gráfico. En la parte superior, en letra negra, en mayúsculas y negrita, se lee: "¡El retorno de Las Américas!". Las palabras "Las Américas" están resaltadas en amarillo. Debajo, en letra blanca más pequeña, se lee: "¡Vuelve Las Américas!". La NHRC se complace en destacar y amplificar las voces y experiencias de las personas latinas y caribeñas dedicadas a la reducción de daños durante Las Américas (tradicionalmente conocido como el "Mes de la Herencia Hispana"), que se celebra del 15 de septiembre al 15 de octubre. Esta iniciativa está diseñada para reconocer las importantes contribuciones de las personas latinas y caribeñas que hacen posible la historia de la reducción de daños y el movimiento de reducción de daños tanto en EE. UU. como en el Sur Global, fomentando un entorno inclusivo y equitativo para los esfuerzos de reducción de daños y prevención de sobredosis entre las comunidades latinas y caribeñas. Las actividades previstas incluyen espacios de diálogo y sesiones de formación. Para priorizar la justicia lingüística, ofreceremos servicios integrales de interpretación del inglés al español y del español al inglés". Logotipo del arcoíris del 30.º aniversario de la NHRC en la parte inferior izquierda. Junto a él, en letra mayoritariamente negra con algunas letras en rosa, se lee: "Septiembre y octubre" y "¡Más sesiones próximamente!". En la esquina inferior derecha, debajo de una flecha negra que apunta hacia la derecha, se lee "Desliza" en letra pequeña y negra. Same background, logo, “swipe” arrow, and pattern. In bold, all caps, black font at top, copy reads, "Las Américas is back!" The words "Las Américas" are highlighted in yellow. In smaller white font below this, copy reads, “NHRC is thrilled to uplift and amplify the voices and experiences of Latine and Caribeñe harm reductionists during Las Americas (traditionally known as “Hispanic Heritage Month”), celebrated from September 15 to October 15. This initiative is designed to recognize the significant contributions of Latine and Caribeñes that make harm reduction history possible as well as the harm reduction movement in the U.S. and the global south, fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for harm reduction and overdose prevention efforts among Latine and Caribeñe communities. Planned activities include dialogue spaces and training sessions. To center language justice we will provide comprehensive interpretation services from English into Spanish and Spanish into English.” Next to this, font mostly in black with some in pink reads, "September through October " and "More sessions coming up!". El mismo fondo, logotipo, flecha de "deslizamiento" y patrón. En negrita, mayúsculas y letra negra en la parte superior, el texto reza: "Contra el olvido: el duelo como resistencia colectiva". Las palabras "Contra el olvido" aparecen resaltadas en amarillo. Debajo, en letra blanca más pequeña, se lee: "En tiempos en que la violencia de los gobiernos autoritarios sigue agotándonos estratégicamente y cada pérdida se siente como colectiva, creamos este espacio para apoyarnos en comunidad. En este encuentro, se abordarán los duelos colectivos y nuestras tantas pérdidas no reconocidas dentro de los sistemas opresores: políticas migratorias, contra las personas que consumen drogas, personas sin hogar, etc. Será un espacio participativo para reflexionar sobre la importancia de reconocer, procesar y honrar nuestros duelos como mecanismo de resistencia y acción colectiva". El texto de la parte inferior derecha, en negro y rosa, dice: "Martes, 22 de septiembre, de 13:00 a 15:00 (hora del Este) | Inscríbete: bit.ly/LasAmericas2026Session1". Same background, logo, and pattern. In bold, all caps, black font at top, copy reads, “Against Erasure: Grief as Collective Resistance”. The words, “Against Erasure” are highlighted in yellow. Smaller white font below reads, “In times when violence perpetrated by authoritarian governments strategically continues to take its toll and every loss is felt collectively, we have created this space to support one another as a community. This gathering will address collective grief and our many unacknowledged losses within oppressive systems: Immigration policies, policies targeting people who use drugs, homelessness, and so on. It will be a participatory space to reflect on the importance of acknowledging, processing, and honoring our grief as a mechanism for resistance and collective action.” Toward bottom left, text in pink and black reads, “Tuesday, Sept. 22 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET | Register: bit.ly/LasAmericas2026Session1”.
September 16, 2026 at 7:04 PM
Reposted by Brittany Ballantyne (she/her)
harmreduction.org
Join us next week for our latest free Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) Office Hours session! Register today: bit.ly/THROfficeHoursSignUp

#HarmReduction #TobaccoHarmReduction #THR #Vaping #SmokingCessation
Green gradient fills background, with black-and-white pattern framing right side. Bold, all caps, black text toward top left reads, "OFFICE HOURS: Brief Behavioral Interventions for Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR)". The word, "WEBINAR" is highlighted in yellow. Beneath this, smaller black font reads, “In this free session, we’ll cover brief behavioral interventions for THR, including Ask-Advice-Act (AAA) or Very Brief Advice (VBA). We’ll also address stress/cue management, habit substitution/routine awareness, and peer support spaces as important tools for tobacco use reduction/cessation. Participants will discuss a case-based scenario and share their own questions about these interventions.”. Over black rectangle framing bottom, copy in white and neon green at left reads, “Sept. 15, 2026 4 p.m. ET” and “Sign up: bit.ly/THROfficeHoursSignUp". NHRC green 30th anniversary logo toward bottom right.
September 9, 2026 at 4:10 PM
ballantynebeat.bsky.social
They should be here. 💜
harmreduction.org National Harm Reduction Coalition @harmreduction.org · 29d
🧵Each year when #InternationalOverdoseAwarenessDay comes around, we are starkly reminded of the heartbreak of losing our loved ones to #Overdose. They should be here. They were so loved, & are loved still. While grief can be layered & a continued presence in our lives, we’re reminding folks to...
Over black background, pattern of words in small gray font reads, "Father. Colleague. Sister. Parent. Friend. Neighbor. Peer. Mother. Cousin. Grandchild. Brother. Mentor. Grandparent. Teammate. Bonus mom. Classmate. Grandma. Bonus sister. Community member. Wife. Papa. Child. Partner. Uncle. Bonus dad. Grandma. Husband. Aunt. Chosen family member. Bestie. Nana. In-law. Bonus brother. Loved one. Spouse." Large, bold white font at top center reads, "They should be here." The words are underlined in purple. In purple and white font below, text reads, "It’s on all of us to end the overdose epidemic." At right is purple ribbon, NHRC 30th anniversary logo at bottom right.
August 20, 2026 at 1:54 PM
Reposted by Brittany Ballantyne (she/her)
harmreduction.org
🧵Trabajando con organizaciones socias y utilizando información obtenida de los Programas de Servicios de Jeringas (SSP), desarrollamos una hoja informativa que describe cómo los SSP pueden facilitar el acceso a los servicios para el VHC.

bit.ly/AmpliandoElAccesoALaAtencionParaElVirusHepatitisC
Sobre un fondo con degradado de colores azul, morado y verde, un borde blanco con dos formas de estrella enmarca, a la izquierda, la foto de la mano extendida de una persona tras realizarse una prueba de VHC. A la derecha, se ven las manos de otra persona con guantes médicos azules; esta sostiene la mano de la persona de la izquierda mientras le aplica una bolita de algodón en el dedo. La persona que realiza el procedimiento viste una sudadera negra, de la cual solo se ve una parte. Detrás de ellas hay diversos suministros sanitarios. Sobre la foto, en letras blancas dentro de un recuadro morado, se lee: "Ampliando el Acceso a la Atención para el Virus de la Hepatitis C". Abajo a la derecha, dentro de una burbuja verde con letras blancas, aparece el texto: "También disponible en inglés". En la parte inferior central figuran los logotipos de NHRC, NSSSP y NASEN. En la parte inferior, en letra pequeña y blanca, se lee: "Consideraciones para programas de servicios de jeringuillas". Una pequeña letra blanca debajo de la foto dice: «Crédito de la foto: Safer Care, SSP de Safer Together». El mismo fondo degradado y el mismo logotipo, con un recuadro blanco grande enmarcado en verde. El borde morado en la parte superior izquierda dice: “COMO FUNCIONA” en blanco junto al logotipo de NSSSP. Debajo, en letra negra más pequeña, se lee: “La atención del VHC suele incluir varios pasos, y los SSP pueden apoyar a los participantes durante todo el proceso:” A la izquierda, un recuadro azul oscuro con letras blancas dice «Detección», junto a un texto más pequeño en negro que indica: «Los participantes se someten a una prueba rápida de anticuerpos contra el VHC para determinar si han estado expuestos al virus». Debajo hay un recuadro azul claro con letras blancas que dice «Diagnóstico», junto a un texto en negro que señala: «Si el resultado de la prueba del participante es positivo, pruebas diagnósticas adicionales confirman si tiene una infección activa por VHC». Más abajo se encuentra un recuadro verde lima con letras blancas que dice «Vinculación a la atención», junto a un texto en negro que explica: «El personal del SSP pone a los participantes en contacto con profesionales clínicos para el tratamiento y ayuda a coordinar las citas y el transporte». En la parte inferior hay un recuadro morado con letras blancas que dice «Tratamiento», junto a un texto en negro que indica: Los participantes se someten a una prueba rápida de anticuerpos contra el VHC para determinar si han estado expuestos al virus. El mismo fondo degradado y logotipo, con un recuadro blanco grande enmarcado en verde. En el borde morado de la parte superior izquierda se lee “” en blanco, junto al logotipo de NSSSP. Debajo, en una fuente negra más pequeña, se lee: “Los SSPs adaptan sus servicios para el VHC según su capacidad, colaboraciones y las necesidades de la comunidad. No existe un enfoque único. Algunos modelos incluyen:” lectura de la lista con viñetas anteriores, “Pruebas de detección en el sitio con navegación al tratamiento. El SSP realiza pruebas de detección y conecta a los participantes con pruebas adicionales y tratamiento. | Servicios co-ubicados proporcionados por socios externos. Los proveedores clínicos de organizaciones socias ofrecen servicios para el VHC en el SSP, haciendo que todos los pasos sean más convenientes. | “Servicios integrados proporcionados por el SSP. El SSP o su organización matriz proporciona pruebas de detección, diagnóstico y tratamiento.” Mismo fondo degradado y logotipo, con un gran recuadro blanco enmarcado en verde. El borde morado en la parte superior izquierda dice: “LA VENTAJA DEL SSP”en blanco junto al logotipo de NSSSP. A la izquierda hay tres círculos de color azul oscuro dispuestos en columna, con iconos blancos en su interior. El primero muestra dos globos de diálogo; uno de ellos contiene pequeños corazones de color rosa o rojo. El icono central muestra una casa con un corazón rosa o rojo en el centro. El tercer icono representa dos manos estrechándose. A la derecha, un texto en negro dice: “Relaciones de confianza. El personal de los SSPs establece relaciones con los participantes que facilitan las pruebas y el tratamiento del VHC en un entorno familiar y de confianza. | Atención de bajo umbral y centrada en los participantes. Los SSPs ofrecen servicios para el VHC en entornos acogedores, junto con otros servicios que los participantes ya utilizan. | Colaboraciones clínicas de confianza. El personal de los SSPs conecta a los participantes con proveedores clínicos que ofrecen atención del VHC respetuosa y libre de estigma.”
August 18, 2026 at 8:03 PM
Reposted by Brittany Ballantyne (she/her)
harmreduction.org
🧵Working w/ partners & using insights from #SyringeServices Programs (#SSPs), we developed a fact sheet that outlines how SSPs can make #HCV services more accessible. Swipe for a preview & check out the full fact sheet, also available in Spanish: bit.ly/ExpandingHCVCare
Over blue, purple, and green gradient background, white border with two star-like shapes frames a photo of person’s outstretched hand after taking HCV test at left. At right is another person’s hands in blue medical gloves, holding the hand of the person at left and applying cotton ball to person’s finger. The person administering care wears black sweatshirt, partially pictured. Behind them is collection of health care supplies. Above the photo is white font over a green text box reading, “Expanding Access to Care for Hepatitis C Virus”. Purple bubble shape with white font below at right reads, “También disponible en Español”. NHRC, NSSSP, and NASEN logos at bottom middle. Smaller white font at bottom reads, “Considerations for Syringe Services Programs”. Same gradient background and logo, with large white box framed in green. Green border at top left reads, “HOW IT WORKS” in white beside NSSSP logo. Smaller black font below reads, “HCV care often includes several steps, and SSPs can support participants along the way:”. At left over dark blue box, white font reads, “Screening” beside smaller black font reading, “Participants receive a rapid HCV antibody test to determine whether they have been exposed to the virus.” Light blue box with white font reading, “Diagnosis” below, next to black text reading, “If the participant screens positive, additional diagnostic testing confirms whether they have an active HCV infection.” Below this is lime green box with white font reading, “Linkage to care” beside black text reading, “SSP staff connect participants with clinicians for treatment and help coordinate appointments and transportation.” At bottom is purple box with white text reading, “Treatment” beside black text reading, “Participants receive a rapid HCV antibody test to determine whether they have been exposed to the virus.” Same gradient background and logo, with large white box framed in green. Green border at top left reads, “HOW IT WORKS” in white beside NSSSP logo. Smaller black font below reads, “SSPs tailor how they offer HCV services based on their capacity, partnerships, and community needs. As a result, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to providing access to HCV care. Below are example service models:” above bulleted list reading, “On-site testing with navigation to treatment. SSP staff screen participants for HCV and connect them to additional testing and treatment. | Co-located services provided by partners. Partner clinicians provide HCV services at the SSP, making all steps more convenient. | Integrated services provided by the SSP. HCV screening, diagnostic testing, and treatment are provided directly by the SSP or its parent organization.” Same gradient background and logo, with large white box framed in green. Green border at top left reads, “THE SSP ADVANTAGE” in white beside NSSSP logo. At left are three dark blue circles with white icons in column. The first shows two conversation bubbles, one with small pink/red hearts. The middle icon shows a house with a pink/red heart at middle. The third icon shows two hands in a handshake. At right, black copy reads, “Trusted relationships. SSP staff build long-term relationships with participants, creating opportunities to encourage HCV testing and treatment in a familiar, trusted setting.”, “Low-barrier, participant-centered care. SSPs are designed to be welcoming, low-barrier environments where HCV services are offered alongside services participants already use.” and “Supportive clinical partnerships. SSP staff partner with trusted clinicians to connect participants with respectful and stigma-free HCV care.”
August 18, 2026 at 7:16 PM
Reposted by Brittany Ballantyne (she/her)
harmreduction.org
🧵 #HealthCareIsAHumanRight, & we continue to see those rights ignored & overlooked. Like several other states & countries worldwide, accessible #HIV care is being stripped away. This @whropublicmedia.bsky.social coverage lays out some of the latest in VA, though this is a...
bit.ly/VAHIVCareCuts
Virginians living with HIV struggle to get drugs that fight the virus after massive healthcare cuts
Despite lawmakers’ effort to backfill funding in the new state budget, HIV care in Virginia will lose even more money after a settlement with an HIV drug company.
bit.ly
August 17, 2026 at 7:57 PM
Reposted by Brittany Ballantyne (she/her)
harmreduction.org
First session is today! We hope you'll join us.

#HarmReduction #BodilyAutonomy #TraumaInformedCare #HarmReductionSavesLives #HealthCareIsAHumanRight
harmreduction.org National Harm Reduction Coalition @harmreduction.org · Jul 23
🧵NHRC's Lighthouse Learning Collective @hrc-lighthouse.bsky.social has updated 2 October sessions on Oct. 2 & Oct. 9! Check out the updated details below. We hope you'll join us for these free sessions starting next month that will focus on a range of topics, including...
campsite.bio/harmreduction
A vibrant, retro grid background fills frame with purple, red, and orange gradients with black graph-like lines, warped near middle. Over white box outlined in black at top center, purple font reads, “ LIGHTHOUSE LEARNING WEBINARS”. Over yellow sun-like shape, purple text reads, "UPDATE!" with smaller black text below reading "Swipe" beside black arrow pointing right. Lighthouse logo in top right corner. At top left are three purple line designs with yellow stars. Over text boxes at center left below, orange copy reads, "TOPICS INCLUDE" with smaller black font below reading, "Queer Harm Reduction | Trauma-Informed Care | LGB/TGNC HCV Prevention | Kink & Altered States of Mind | Chemsex 101 | PrEP/PEP 101". Purple copy at right reads, "SAVE THE FOLLOWING DATES!". Smaller white font over black background below reads, "August 14 | September 4 | September 18 | October 2 | October 9 | October 30". In boxes below, are a calendar emoji, yellow stars, calendar emoji beside conversation bubble reading, "Mark your calendars!", and black font reading, "TIME: 12 P.M.-2 P.M. ET" on a computer screen graphic beside a clock emoji. A vibrant, retro grid background fills frame with blue and green gradients with black graph-like lines, warped near middle. Over white box outlined in black at top center, hot pink font outlined in black reads, “LIGHTHOUSE LEARNING WEBINAR”. At top left are 3 yellow “sparkle” icons. Over text boxes at center below, copy reads, “FRIDAY, AUG. 14” and 12 P.M.-2P.M. ET" beside calendar and clock emojis. Copy reads, “LGBT PWUD (QUEER HARM REDUCTION)." Black copy over yellow text box at bottom left reads, “Register HERE: bit.ly/LGBTPWUD. Yellow arrow outlined in black with red dots toward bottom middle. Lighthouse logo at top right. Same logo and background with purple and pink gradients with black graph-like lines, warped near middle. Over white box outlined in black at top center, hot pink font outlined in black reads, “LIGHTHOUSE LEARNING WEBINAR”. At top left are 3 yellow “sparkle” icons. Over text boxes at center left below, copy reads, “FRIDAY, SEPT. 4 | 12 P.M.-2 P.M. ET” beside calendar and clock emojis. Black copy over yellow text box at bottom left reads, “Register HERE: bit.ly/TIC94”. At right center copy reads, "TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE" in white font over blue background. Yellow arrow outlined in black with red dots toward bottom middle. Same logo and background with yellow and pink gradients with black graph-like lines, warped near middle. Over white box outlined in black at top center, hot pink font outlined in black reads, “LIGHTHOUSE LEARNING WEBINAR”. At top left are 3 yellow “sparkle” icons. Over text boxes at center below, copy reads, “FRIDAY, SEPT. 18 | 12 - 2 P.M. ET” beside calendar and clock emojis. Black copy over yellow text box at bottom left reads, “Register HERE: bit.ly/HCVLGBT". White font over blue background at right center reads, "HEPATITIS C PREVENTION FOR LGB/TGNC INDIVIDUALS AND COMMUNITY" Blue arrow outlined in black with pink dots toward bottom middle.
August 14, 2026 at 1:19 PM
Reposted by Brittany Ballantyne (she/her)
harmreduction.org
🧵People who use drugs deserve adequate, stigma-free health care on their own terms. Experts in drug use & its impacts, people who use drugs have been sharing how there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach when it comes to treatment. A study recently outlined...
bit.ly/WeNeedBetterTreatmentOptions
Regular Users Can Tolerate Previously ‘Unsurvivable’ Amounts of Fentanyl
New research shows that tolerance has become so strong that common treatments for opioid addiction are no longer effective for many patients.
bit.ly
August 13, 2026 at 8:33 PM
Reposted by Brittany Ballantyne (she/her)
ultraviolet.bsky.social
Abortion bans put women and young girls in harm's way. Full stop.
Suicide rates are higher for teen girls. Abortion bans could be making it worse.
A new study found a 'concerning increase' in suicidal ideation for teen girls in states with abortion bans — regardless of if they are pregnant. There was no increase for teen boys.
19thnews.org
August 9, 2026 at 5:09 PM
ballantynebeat.bsky.social
It’s almost as if doing the same thing over and over again doesn’t provide different results
harmreduction.org National Harm Reduction Coalition @harmreduction.org · Aug 12
🧵So long as drug use is criminalized, we will continue to see an ever-changing & dangerous #DrugSupply. As this @filtermag.bsky.social coverage notes, some of the latest known data shows #Overdose rate increases in western U.S., w/ a slower decrease...

bit.ly/WesternUSOverdoses
Overdose Data Show Two Paths Within Western Corridor of Rising Deaths
Arizona appears to be separating onto its own trajectory, with the increase slowing down even as it speeds up in neighboring states.
bit.ly
August 12, 2026 at 8:07 PM
Reposted by Brittany Ballantyne (she/her)
luckytran.com
Throughout history, persecuting scientists for saving lives is a frightening marker for the collapse of a society.
August 6, 2026 at 5:45 PM
ballantynebeat.bsky.social
The audacity United Healthcare has emailing me about weight loss but not covering my actual health needs is wild. #HealthCareIsAHumanRight #HealthCareForAll #DownWithDietCulture
August 6, 2026 at 1:06 PM
Reposted by Brittany Ballantyne (she/her)
everytown.org
America has a uniquely lethal domestic violence crisis. Nearly 6 million women in the US have reported having a gun used on them by an intimate partner, and easy access to a gun makes it five times more likely that a woman will be killed by an abuser.
MAGA Rep. Allegedly Assaulted Wife, Put Gun to Her Head. Republicans Don't Care
Ohio Republican Max Miller allegedly assaulted his wife and held a gun to her head. Republicans are standing by him.
www.rollingstone.com
August 3, 2026 at 7:48 PM
Reposted by Brittany Ballantyne (she/her)
harmreduction.org
🧵We cannot lose momentum in life-saving #HarmReduction work. This @vtdigger.bsky.social piece points to the decline in #Overdose deaths, made possible by harm reduction & interconnected care.

"Our treatment, our intervention, our harm reduction, our recovery services, those are
bit.ly/VTODRatesDown
Overdose deaths in Vermont drop by 25% in 2025 - VTDigger
“Our treatment, our intervention, our harm reduction, our recovery services, those are working,” said Vermont Department of Health Interim Deputy Commissioner Shayla Livingston.
bit.ly
August 5, 2026 at 2:43 PM
Reposted by Brittany Ballantyne (she/her)
luckytran.com
Right as RFK Jr and Republicans spread COVID disinformation on national TV and public hearings, Meta decides to roll back its COVID-19 misinformation rules.
Meta to roll back Covid-19 misinformation measures
Meta is revising its policies to take a regional approach towards countries that still have public health emergency declarations.
mashable.com
August 3, 2026 at 4:12 PM
ballantynebeat.bsky.social
“The misogyny that kills women, femmes, and gender expansive people everywhere is rooted in a desire to control our bodies and lives. The hatred, degradation, and discarding of sex workers is a manifestation of that desire.”
harmreduction.org National Harm Reduction Coalition @harmreduction.org · Aug 4
🧵The sex workers murdered by Rex Heuermann should be here today. Sex workers are not disposable, & we must work collectively to end the violence, harassment, & dangerous stigma that allows this abuse to exist & steal lives.

As penned via @rewirenewsgroup.com,

bit.ly/SexWorkersAreNotDisposable
Sex Workers Remember Victims of Gilgo Beach Killer: ‘Our Sisters’ (Updated) – Rewire News Group
Opinion: The media portrays sex workers as a plot point in Rex Heuermann’s story. But we know violent men, and public conversations should center our voices.
bit.ly
August 4, 2026 at 6:33 PM
Reposted by Brittany Ballantyne (she/her)
rbreich.bsky.social
"Call it democracy, or call it democratic socialism, but there must be a better distribution of wealth within this country for all God's children."

—Martin Luther King, Jr.
August 2, 2026 at 10:00 PM
ballantynebeat.bsky.social
💖
August 3, 2026 at 6:56 PM
ballantynebeat.bsky.social
💓💓💓 we break down barriers together.
harmreduction.org National Harm Reduction Coalition @harmreduction.org · Jul 30
🧵 Disabled communities have been demanding & creating a more accessible world long before #DisabilityPrideMonth was recognized, & have honored the interconnected liberation of all people even when overlooked or ignored. Together, our communities will break down barriers that stand in the way of...
Black and white lines and dots pattern frames top & bottom of graphic w/ rainbow gradient background. Large, all caps text reads, “DISABLED PEOPLE ARE BUILDING ACCESSIBLE FUTURES EVERY DAY.” The words “BUILDING ACCESSIBLE FUTURES” are in white, & the words “EVERY DAY” are enlarged. NHRC 30th anniversary logo @ bottom right.
July 30, 2026 at 2:05 PM
Reposted by Brittany Ballantyne (she/her)
ultraviolet.bsky.social
An important step toward protecting women, delivering justice for survivors, and holding the Tate brothers accountable!
Andrew & Tristan Tate’s arrests in Miami follow year of controversy in S. Florida
Social media influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate face new rape charges in the U.K. from seven accusers, officials say.
www.miamiherald.com
July 22, 2026 at 8:16 PM