Are you in recovery from opioid use disorder (OUD)? Are you a family member, provider, or community ally affected by the opioid crisis? Do you live in St. Petersburg?
We invite you to be part of Healing Through Art, a powerful new PhotoVoice project in St. Petersburg that uses storytelling and photography to fight stigma and celebrate the strength of recovery.

What Is Healing Through Art

Healing Through Art is an innovative project by Drug Free America Foundation, STAR labs, Stigma Action Research Lab, and Dr. Kosyluk that gives individuals impacted by opioids the tools to share their stories through photography and personal narratives. Through this creative and empowering process, participants become advocates for change—challenging stereotypes, building empathy, and shaping community conversations.

The project will include two separate PhotoVoice tracks:

  • Recovery Journeys: For individuals in recovery from opioid use disorder, this track focuses on your personal path—including struggles, breakthroughs, and the transformative impact of treatment.

  • Community Perspectives: For family members, treatment providers, and allies who’ve been touched by opioid use disorder, this track explores the importance of support systems and the realities of stigma.

Why It Matters

Stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to seeking and sustaining recovery. Many still view opioid use disorder as a moral failing, rather than the treatable health condition it is. Healing Through Art gives a voice—and a face—to recovery, helping shift public perception and build support for evidence-based treatment like medication-assisted treatment (MAT).

What to Expect

As a participant, you will:

  • Attend guided workshops on photography and storytelling

  • Receive support and training to capture your story

  • Collaborate with others who understand your journey

  • Showcase your work in community exhibits at local museums and public venues

  • Help spark change through panel discussions and public events

All participants will receive stipends and support for transportation, and no prior photography experience is needed.

Who Should Join

We’re looking for individuals who:

  • Live in St. Petersburg

  • Are in recovery from opioid use disorder, or

  • Are family members, service providers, or community advocates affected by opioid use disorder

  • Want to use their voice to inspire hope, challenge stigma, and educate the community

Ready to Be Heard

This is your chance to be part of something powerful. Your story matters—and it can make a difference.

➡️ Click here to sign up or learn more.

Let’s reduce stigma. Let’s show the world what recovery really looks like. Let’s heal through art—together.

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