Star of the Month
Naomi Langlois
Bloomberg School of Public Health
Congratulations to our Star of the Month for February 2025, Naomi Langlois from the Bloomberg School of Public Health!
Through the Baltimore Action Projects program, Naomi has been serving our community this year working with our amazing partners at SPARC to support the vital services it provides for clients, as well as develop materials which clients can use to connect with similar organizations in Baltimore for accessing essential harm reduction resources. Read our interview with Naomi below to learn more about her work!
Tell us about yourself! What brought you to the School of Public Health, and what made you want to get involved with SPARC?
I moved to Baltimore from New Orleans, where I worked at a nonprofit health center specializing in harm reduction. During my time in the field, I gained firsthand experience through client-facing, clinical, and low-barrier encounters with hundreds of individuals. After earning my bachelor’s in public health in New Orleans, I decided to pursue my master’s in public health (MPH) to deepen my understanding and impact in this field.
From the moment I learned about SPARC, I knew I wanted to be part of its vital work as a drop-in and mobile outreach harm reduction center. SPARC has given me the opportunity to merge my academic background with my commitment to person-centered harm reduction, allowing me to continue advocating for and supporting communities in Baltimore.
Can you share a little bit about the work you are doing with SPARC?
I’m always excited to share the work SPARC is doing! SPARC is a women’s center dedicated to harm reduction, providing a wide range of services, including a health clinic, Suboxone access, syringe services, case management, a clothing drive, outreach, education, and community engagement activities. At its core, SPARC operates on the principle of meeting people where they are and offering support in whatever way possible.
Behind the scenes, the work is nonstop. With growing demand, there are so many moving parts, and everyone pitches in wherever they’re needed. My role has been to assist in any way I can, whether that means filling client orders, running inventory, packing supplies, or stocking essentials to ensure the center runs smoothly. Additionally, SPARC’s outreach program provides front-door delivery service to clients in South Baltimore, ensuring low-barrier access to critical resources. This mobile unit is an essential part of SPARC’s harm reduction work, making services more accessible to those who might not otherwise be able to visit the center.
On the back end, I’ve been collecting data on organizations in Southeast Baltimore that align with SPARC’s mission. The goal is to create a resource map that builds on existing local services, strengthening connections between SPARC and other like-minded organizations in the community.
One of the most incredible aspects of SPARC is that no two days are the same. The work is dynamic, responsive, and deeply rooted in the needs of the community. I’m grateful to be part of an organization that not only provides vital services but also fosters trust and connection every step of the way.
"Through this experience, I’ve deepened my understanding of program planning and policy analysis, particularly in how harm reduction fits into these broader frameworks...This hands-on involvement has not only complemented my coursework but has also expanded my perspective on what it takes to create meaningful, community-driven public health initiatives."
How does your community work with SPARC complement what you’re learning in the classroom at the School of Public Health?
One of the core principles of public health is engaging with the community and addressing its most pressing needs. My work with SPARC allows me to apply what I’m learning in the classroom in real time while also bringing my past experience in harm reduction into the Baltimore community.
Through this experience, I’ve deepened my understanding of program planning and policy analysis, particularly in how harm reduction fits into these broader frameworks. Working alongside my peers at SPARC, I’ve gained valuable insight into budgeting, grant writing, program development, and leadership. I’m continually inspired by my coworkers, their expertise, adaptability, and the patience it takes to serve so many people while managing a diverse range of programs. This hands-on involvement has not only complemented my coursework but has also expanded my perspective on what it takes to create meaningful, community-driven public health initiatives.
What is the most important experience you’ve had or most critical thing you’ve learned so far through working with our community?
The most impactful experience I’ve had at SPARC is witnessing the deep sense of trust and community that exists within its walls. SPARC is more than just a harm reduction center, it’s a space where people are welcomed with warmth, dignity, and unwavering support. What stands out most to me is the way the staff shows up for both their clients and each other every single day. The dedication of my colleagues is truly inspiring, whether it’s someone collecting used syringes in the neighborhood, attending community meetings, or ensuring that our neighbors feel supported and heard. The relationships built here are not one-sided; they are reciprocal and deeply rooted in care. Through this experience, I’ve learned that harm reduction isn’t just about services, it’s about trust, consistency, and meeting people where they are. SPARC has shown me the true meaning of community, and I feel grateful to be part of a space that fosters learning, growth, and genuine connection.