Bethany Medley

Bethany Medley (she/her) is an Advanced Practice PhD student at Columbia’s School of Social Work. She is a scholar-activist who is dedicated to ending the war on drugs. Her research is grounded in partnering with community experts and grassroots organizations to promote overdose prevention strategies and other harm reduction interventions for people who use drugs.

Her current work incorporates participatory action research methods to elevate the needs and expertise of Peer Workers, who provide essential harm reduction education, resources, and support to individuals and communities in NYC. As a co-founder of the Labor of Love photovoice project, Bethany is honored to collaborate with members of the Peer Network of New York to shine a light on the everyday experiences of Peer Workers and promote equity in the harm reduction workforce. Learn more about this project by watching a video overview.

Bethany’s previous experience includes facilitating naloxone train-the-trainer sessions, promoting low-threshold buprenorphine access, developing anti-stigma campaigns, advocating for Hepatitis C testing and treatment, and educating providers on harm reduction for pregnant people who use drugs. Bethany received her Bachelor’s in Social Work from the University of Maryland Baltimore County and her Master’s in Social Work from Columbia School of Social Work.