Olivia Mancini brings her passion, dedication, and expertise across various organizations in Hamilton, providing mental health and harm reduction support to folks as a Registered Social Worker and Harm Reduction Worker. When she is not on the frontline, Olivia works in drug policy and advocates for the decriminalization of drugs, safe supply, legal regulation, and the right to housing. Olivia also recently completed her Master of Social Work at McMaster University.

The drug poisoning crisis is devastating and the impact on communities across Canada has been lethal. Olivia co-founded SOPEN to raise awareness about the overdose epidemic and to better equip folks with the knowledge and tools to save lives. Olivia has a passion for education and she strives to teach and empower people to become part of ending the stigma against people who use drugs. Stigma kills and we have lost too many.

A Social Worker, currently completing her Masters of Social Work at McMaster University with over 10 years of experience working with children and youth. She has spent the last two years working in Hamilton shelter systems, where she has developed a passion for Harm Reduction. Samm helped Co-Founded SOPEN as a way to welcome youth where they are at, while also providing them with the information necessary to use safely and support one another

Jenna has completed her Bachelor of Social Work and a minor in Mental Health, Addictions, and Society at McMaster University. Jenna was motivated to join SOPEN after seeing the effects of the opioid poisoning crisis firsthand through working at a shelter serving houseless women and gender-diverse folks during the opioid poisoning crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. Through this experience, Jenna was able to witness the benefits of harm reduction practices offered to those who use substances and the importance of eradicating the stigma that coincides with substance use. By joining SOPEN, Jenna has had the opportunity to expand her knowledge on substance use and harm reduction practices, while being able to share this knowledge in an interactive way with the broader community.

Etri Is currently a medical student at McMaster University. She was motivated to join SOPEN after volunteering in harm reduction programs in Hamilton shelters. She hopes to learn more about harm reduction and how the opioid crisis has (and continues) to impact precariously housed individuals in the Hamilton community. She is passionate about integrating this knowledge into her future healthcare career. By joining SOPEN, Etri has had the opportunity to connect with amazing organizations and community members working towards reducing the stigma surrounding drug use and supporting people who use drugs.

Mackenzie completed her undergraduate degree at McMaster University and she is currently working on a diploma in professional addiction studies. Mackenzie works as a case manager at a women’s shelter and she joined SOPEN because she has seen first-hand how Naloxone and harm reduction save lives and she wants to share her experiences with others. The government has failed to protect folks who use drugs and address the opioid epidemic, but we are not powerless. Ordinary people have the power to save lives and make a difference. Harm reduction is important to Mackenzie because it promotes autonomy and personal choice. Harm reduction is not simply Naloxone and safe consumption sites. Harm reduction is wearing sunscreen or a seatbelt. It is walking home with a friend instead of alone. Harm reduction challenges stigma and acknowledges that life is not risk-free, but where possible, we can mitigate this risk. Folks who use drugs are our friends, family, neighbours, and co-workers and they deserve to be treated with love and respect.