Catherine Ahern

Catherine Ahern, MSW is Program Manager of the University of Rhode Island Community First Responder Program and an Adjunct Clinical Instructor at the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy. She has dedicated her career to advancing equitable access to overdose prevention services through community engagement, public health partnerships, and education. Her expertise includes naloxone distribution, drug checking initiatives, syringe services, overdose response education, and reducing barriers to care for people who use drugs. Ms. Ahern serves as Co-Chair of the Rhode Island Department of Health Rescue Working Group and is a member of the Department's Harm Reduction Workgroup. She has developed and delivered overdose prevention education for healthcare professionals, first responders, colleges and universities, and community organizations throughout New England and has authored peer-reviewed publications on community-based overdose prevention.