Harm Reduction: Supporting Recovery Through Compassion and Clarity

The West Virginia Department of Human Resources’ State Opioid Response (SOR) program partnered with The Manahan Group (TMG) to launch a harm reduction animation for opioid education — a campaign designed to save lives and reduce stigma across the state.

This was both a TV and digital ad campaign, and TMG was honored to be approached for this important work. Our team handled every step in-house — from writing the script to animating the final visuals. By controlling all aspects of production, we ensured that the message was clear, compassionate, and judgment-free.

What the Campaign Teaches

The in-house animated campaign on harm reduction highlights practical tools that support those affected by substance use disorder, including:

• Naloxone (Narcan)
• Clean and safe supply access
• Linkage to treatment and care services

But beyond resources, the animation underscores something even more important: empathy. The message centers on the dignity of every individual, no matter where they are on their recovery journey.

Breaking Stigma and Saving Lives

One of the most powerful aspects of this campaign is how it addresses relapse without shame. Reducing opioid stigma in West Virginia means recognizing that recovery is not linear. Relapse can happen, but it doesn’t mean failure — it’s part of the process. By pairing friendly visuals with a human tone, we created a campaign that resonates emotionally and educates effectively. It’s now being used across West Virginia as a tool for outreach and awareness.

Purpose-Driven Creative Work

This animation is more than just a video — it’s a message of hope. By promoting harm reduction through nonjudgmental storytelling, we aim to reduce the risk of overdose and help people feel safe enough to seek help.