Blue Mountain Heart to Heart

09/04/2025

NOTICE: We are happy to announce a new partnership with Washington Recovery Alliance to sponsor a space in downtown Walla Walla to host a variety of groups and programs to support people in recovery. Much more news on the way soon.

09/03/2025

We are hearing the news that Trilogy Recovery Community is closing this Friday. Knowing this is devastating news and that their programs are critical supports for people in our area, BMHTH is looking at all opportunities for fostering the continuation of at least some of the groups hosted by TRC. If you would like to express an opinion about what kinds of recovery supports you see need for in Walla Walla, please contact Everett at info@bmh2h.org, as we compile information.

A big thank you to all the staff and board of Trilogy who have guided it over the years and who worked so steadfastly for people in our community. ❤️‍🩹

08/31/2025

Today is Overdose Awareness Day. So far it is another rough year for our region with more than 1,300 overdose events reported to our staff as part of our naloxone program. I know that popular media focuses on overdose as a “scourge,” or sometimes as a public health issue, and often as a set of unfortunate circumstances that befell an individual. But I observe patterns that add up to system failures. As a member of a regional overdose fatality review board, and as the manager of several overdose prevention efforts, I see interruptions in support as a context for many overdoses. A treatment program timed out. A medication was too costly to continue. A friend, partner, or sponsor said that Suboxone was just another addiction (it’s not). A housing program had a deadline for residency. A shelter illegally refused service because they “don’t take people on buprenorphine.” A doctor moved away and there was no replacement. A jail booking made someone lose their insurance.

In many of these scenarios, the person making the declaration or determination did not consider overdose as a consequence of their actions. Like I said, we frame overdose as an individual failing. But if we were talking about diabetes, would these agents be so cavalier about withholding treatment or support?

I think we need to more fully address the context in which we provide care and support for people addicted to opioids. We can all work to create a more caring and client focused environment, to work together to minimize overdose events. It’s time we stop handing over our collective power and start asking how we can help to stop this runaway train of overdose.

I always try to remember that we are talking about people, not numbers, or “addicts” or anyone beyond care. This OAD, I hope you also will try to work on solutions to our crisis. As it is our shared crisis, and no one should feel alone.

—Everett

08/20/2025

3 DAYS LEFT! Come join us and celebrate all the things we've done in the community. Live music from Rogue Lobster, fresh eats from La Monarca and Colville Street Patisserie, a fun silent auction, drink tickets, and a ton of community and heart. We'd love to see you.

The "Little Agency that Could" is celebrating 40 years of life-changing work! Please join us as we mark progress & look ahead.

07/26/2025

Tickets are live NOW for our 40th Anniversary Party and Fundraiser! Come enjoy live music by Rogue Lobster, great eats by La Monarca and Colville Street Patisserie, alcoholic and zero-proof beverages, and a silent auction. Join us in celebrating 40 years of our efforts to provide excellent care in HIV and behavioral health.
The party happens on August 23, 7PM, at Foundry Vineyards, and tickets are $40 a person. We can't wait to share an evening with you!

The "Little Agency that Could" is celebrating 40 years of life-changing work! Please join us as we mark progress & look ahead.

07/01/2025

SAVE THE DATE: AUGUST 23, 2025
Can’t wait to see you at our annual fundraiser bash! Celebrating 40 years of compassion and care. Details to come.

06/28/2025

Our executive director writes in today's paper about the challenges in understanding overdose data.
https://www.union-bulletin.com/opinion/opinion_columns/commentary-national-opioid-crisis-may-be-reversing-but-not-in-walla-walla-valley/article_7f62b3b1-3489-43e0-b873-f2da6cf24f35.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawLM6OtleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFYbGpWSlhwdWhYUEZiSUdkAR71QdMcc1n2mrcRSYrzfceGx24WOpKIH9fy2GZga1BzIEHYGb_3cmF54XJErA_aem_QufewKpsG0s-Z0prblt7Eg

In a crisis, it is natural for one to react. If that crisis continues to play out, at some point we seek understanding. What is the extent of the damage?

06/20/2025

So nice to see you all yesterday at the downtown Juneteenth event!

Meanwhile, we are happy to thank Bicycle Barn for their generous donation of a Gary Fischer bike to one of our clients. This will really help the client's mobility for work. We appreciate you!

06/07/2025

We are ready to see you at Pride today! On the east side of Main by Colville.

04/04/2025

We have now surpassed 5,000 overdose reversals in the 10+ years of our naloxone program. Six counties, since December 2014, people who had never overdosed before, and some who overdosed multiple times. Another chance, an attempt to compassionately respond to people who the majority of the time woke up frightened and disoriented, in their own homes, in alleys, in cars, in all manner of circumstances, that's what the naloxone program has given nearby rural communities. Along the way we have worked with law enforcement, emergency responders, and hospital staff to help educate about naloxone, the illicit drugs in our midst, and the true possibilities for change that come with harm reduction. We are very proud to be establishing naloxone vending machines throughout southeast Washington State, as we continue to manage a changing substance environment. More details to come on that.

03/28/2025

OVERDOSE ALERT: Law enforcement alerted us to three overdose fatalities in Walla Walla County in just the last two days. This is a much higher rate than typical, even with the potency of fentanyl in our community. Please come see us at our new office at 1129 S Second Avenue, Suite B, for free naloxone. Planned Parenthood in Walla Walla now has a naloxone vending machine as well.

We are working on setting up our own vending machines across the region, rolling them out this spring. Your health and your life are important.

Blue Mountain Heart to Heart's naloxone program now has more than 5,000 overdose reversal attempts in our program's history. Thank you so much to everyone here who has acted to save a life.

03/06/2025

What a great series in our local paper about our work, fentanyl, and what this issue looks like on the ground.

Columbia County Public Health has been awarded a state grant to begin a campaign about the importance of naloxone.