A Graphic Novel about Overdose Prevention: A Vision for an Arts-Based Project Co-Created by Medical Anthropologists and People Who Use Drugs

OTAÑEZ, Marty and BURGES, Nikketa (CU Denver) A Graphic 
Novel about Overdose Prevention: A Vision for an Arts-Based 
Project Co-Created by Medical Anthropologists and People 
Who Use Drugs. We share a draft graphic novel co-created 
by anthropologists and people who use drugs (PWUDs). This 
work derives from 76 participants who completed interviews 
in Colorado in 2021. Participants used some kind of mixture 
of heroin, methamphetamines, cocaine, and fentanyl and experienced one or more overdoses within the past year. 
The graphic novel addresses overdose reversals via naloxone, 
stigma, perspectives on harm reduction interventions, and 
the drug-user activist movement. By previewing our work and 
soliciting opinions from the audience, we will design a graphic 
novel that humanizes PWUDs, promotes safer drug supply, and 
calls for ending the war on drugs. marty.otanez@ucdenver.edu
(TH-18)