Board Features - Marilyn Rey
Each month, we’ll be highlighting a different member of the board of Faith in Harm Reduction to share more about the people, practices, and values behind our work and the movement at large.
In a phrase or sentence, what is one dream you have for the world?
A world where all life matters, together and thriving with care, compassion and love.
What does "Faith in Harm Reduction" mean to you?
Love in action, treating everyone with compassion, spiritual care, kindness and respect. No judgement, no stigma just love!!! Sacred work - a higher calling!!
Tell us something about the work you do in Harm Reduction
The harm reduction work I do in community is spiritual care with community, meeting people where they are and helping them through their good, bad or indifferent times. I also respond to the emergency room when someone has survived an opioid overdose, support the person through this experience also do linkage to care. Every weekend I am out in community doing outreach with care, love and a listening ear.
What is one Harm Reduction related resource you love?
I love training people on how to use Naloxone it’s a great tool to start the hard conversations and community realizes that they can do something the power is their hands.
Who or what inspires you in this work?
I honestly must say that Faith in Harm Reduction has opened a space where I had lost my faith but found it again!!! Now it’s sharing spiritual care to my community of people who use drugs, are unhoused or simply community that has been oppressed and marginalized.
Thank you Rev. Erica Poellot & harm reduction advocates / family that has inspired me every inch of the way.
What's one thing you want to see more of in Harm Reduction movements?
I would love to see more unity. Imagine how powerful we would be!!!!!
Where do you find your own spiritual sustenance?
I find spiritual sustenance in being present, and knowing care and love is sacred.
Any final call to action you’d like to share?
My call to action is simply: love every one; life is sacred.