Welcome!

We are building a program that is designed for faith communities to better serve their communities.

Harm reduction is the future of the Church. We best show the love of God when we take care of those in need by providing for their needs as they are. The Church is the hospital for the sick.

With a Christian foundation that is informed by modern addiction research, we can provide better support for those in danger.

There are many free resources available here and online for the Christian community to engage in the life-saving work of harm reduction. If you’re interested in diving deeper, we offer accredited programs for ministers looking for continuing education courses (CEUs), Christian Harm Reductionist Certification, and BA and MA courses on Christian harm reduction, social engagement, and harm reduction theology.

Who We Are

Brad Thibodeaux

Brad is the co-founder of Anointed Ashes, a not for profit organization focused on Church in Harm Reduction. While his Christianity has formed his worldview, it was his role as research assistant in opioid overdose education that began this journey. While many people are understanding more about harm reduction, he believes that it’s the church’s role to spearhead and continue the work.

Brad has his masters Northwind Theological Seminary in public theology and social engagement of the Church throughout history.

He has been married to his wife Kayla for over 10 years and loves to spend time with her and their son, talking philosophy, and playing music throughout New England.

Kayla Thibodeaux

Kayla is the co-founder of Anointed Ashes, a not for profit organization focused on Church in Harm Reduction. She has been a long time advocate of the social role the Church plays in society. She has worked in the nonprofit space for years now as a domestic and intimate partner violence victim advocate in Souther Rhode Island. She also reinitiated the organization’s Faith Alliance and developed a healthy relationships curriculum for at-risk teens and young adults.

Kayla has her masters in human service counseling; marriage and family from Liberty University.

She has been married to her husband Brad for over 10 years and loves to run around the house chasing her toddler, painting, and reading Regency period historical fiction.

The Church and Harm Reduction Education Course

The Church and Harm Reduction by Brad Thibodeaux

Resources for Ministers and Lay Leaders

Church and Harm Reduction CEU

This one-hour course walks clergy, lay-leaders, and membership through the ways the Christian faith and harm reduction are complimentary, compatible, and the necessary path forward for the body of Christ. At the end of this course, participants will understand the need for non judgemental approaches towards people who use drugs, how Jesus speaks to those in need, and how to administer naloxone (Narcan).

This seminar for the general public is free with a suggested donation to cover costs of supplies.

CE accreditation is available upon request for a small fee – perfect for groups of ministers to learn together.

Minister of Harm Reduction Certification

Minister of Harm Reduction Certification (MinHR) is an asynchronous program that discusses the role of the Church in caring for the poor and marginalized. Harm reduction includes substance use but encompasses many additional factors, including socioeconomic drivers, racial and gender disparities, and geographical concerns with treatment and recovery.

This certification is a one-time fee that includes all coursework, mailed certificate, and access to one-on-one coaching and Q&A.

Bi-annual recertification includes a short refresher course, including new information about the unregulated drug supply and current best practice around trauma informed care, substance use treatment options, and resources.