Truth Pharm - Creatives Rebuild New York

In front of the U.S. Capitol building, an array of black, tombstone-shaped signs spreads across a grassy expanse. Each sign, resembling gravestones, bears white lettering, possibly representing a protest or memorial demonstration. The overcast sky and tall trees framing the scene add to the somber and reflective atmosphere. The Capitol Dome rises prominently in the background, juxtaposing American political power against the visual representation of loss or dissent in the foreground.

Trail of Truth memorial cemetery

Photo by Sugar Moon Photography

A theatrical scene with three individuals seated on stage, bathed in blue lighting. A woman in a floral dress sits in the foreground, holding a paper and wearing a flower-adorned headpiece. Two other people are seated in the background, appearing relaxed and also holding scripts. The stage is minimally decorated, with a patterned floor and a non-descript backdrop, creating an intimate setting for the performance.

Performance of “Sunflowers in Razor Wire”

Photo by Beth Ann Waltman

A group of performers stands on stage in a casual setting, likely having just finished a performance. The stage backdrop features retro-style decor with floral patterns and muted colors, suggesting a vintage or domestic theme. The cast members display a range of expressions, from clapping and smiling to raising their arms in celebration. Their clothing is predominantly black, aligning with theater traditions for curtain call attire. The atmosphere is lively and celebratory, hinting at a successful performance with the camaraderie shared among the cast.

Performance of “Sunflowers in Razor Wire”

Photo by Beth Ann Waltman

Five people are gathered together in a cozy room, smiling warmly at the camera. The group includes three women and two men. The person at the center, a man, is making a peace sign with both hands and has long hair tied back. He is dressed in a stylish black outfit with an open shirt, revealing a necklace. To his right, a woman with blonde hair is smiling while wearing a sleeveless white blouse. Another woman, standing beside her, has short dark hair and wears a black outfit with hoop earrings. On the far left, another man with glasses, a necklace, and a casual shirt joins the photo. The backdrop includes an orange cushioned sofa and a piece of abstract artwork on the wall, contributing to the relaxed and friendly atmosphere of the room.

Performers of “Sunflowers in Razor Wire”

Photo by Beth Ann Waltman

The Collaboration

Mia Hause worked with Truth Pharm to expand the Trail of Truth memorial, arts, and advocacy event to a national scale. The Trail of Truth memorializes individuals lost to substance use related causes, with the intent of visualizing the magnitude of losses through a memorial cemetery of hand-painted tombstones. Mia supported the project by using art as a tool for advocacy, hosting tombstone painting sessions in Truth Pharm’s hometown and other cities, and by designing signs and banners. The event originated in Binghamton, NY in 2016, and was brought to Washington D.C. during this collaboration, with the cemetery growing almost tenfold. Outside of Trail of Truth, Mia also began a free, all-ages artmaking program at Truth Pharm called Community Art Hours, which offers unique art activities to community members twice a month, and provided creative support for numerous other actions, demonstrations, and programs.

Sammie Werkheiser wrote a play, “Sunflowers in Razor Wire” while incarcerated at the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility for five years. The play was performed in September 2023 at Cider Mill Stage with 14 justice-impacted individuals and friends she had met while being incarcerated. The show amplified stories and experiences of incarceration and was performed by those with lived experience, to a sold-out audience. Sammie also started teaching free Saturday dance lessons through a church to children whose parents were formerly incarcerated.

The Organization

Truth Pharm’s mission is to reduce the harms of substance use by raising awareness, reducing stigma, educating the public, and advocating for policy change. Truth Pharm was born as a result of tragedy caused by the opioid epidemic, but differs from other organizations born from the same tragedy. They are not an anti-drug organization. They are an anti-harm organization: they believe that at all points in time, there will be people who use substances – some for recreation, some for pain, some for mental health reasons, some because they are addicted. Their goal as an organization is to reduce the harms caused by substance use and the way society responds. Their core values follow these principles.

Working amongst other people impacted by substance use has made me feel less alone in my experiences, and has allowed me to build community on a personal level, and create meaningful projects on an artistic level. Mia Hause

My highlight was peeking from backstage and watching all of my friends hold hands and take a bow to a standing ovation, remembering the years we suffered together in prison, and yet here was a shining moment of freedom. Sammie Werkheiser

Artists

Mia Hause

Sammie Werkheiser

Location

Binghamton, NY

Communities Served

Criminal Legal System-involved

LGBTQIA+

Rural

Links

Trail of Truth

Trail of Truth photos