February Staff Spotlight: Jason Baker

We’re proud to recognize Jason Baker as our February Staff Spotlight. Although Jason is newer to the HCN team, the impact of his leadership has already been deeply felt across our programs and in the communities we serve.

Jason manages the Community Holistic Overdose Prevention Program (CHOPP), a peer-based harm reduction and recovery support program designed to reduce overdose deaths through outreach, education, and connection to care.

CHOPP exists in direct response to the ongoing substance use and overdose crisis—one that continues to disproportionately affect Black and African American communities, people experiencing homelessness, formerly incarcerated individuals, LGBTQIA+ community members, and others who face persistent barriers to care.

In his role, Jason ensures that CHOPP’s work on the ground remains strong, coordinated, and responsive. A typical day includes checking in with outreach and peer support staff, reviewing data and deliverables, coordinating with community partners, and making sure the program stays aligned with both contract requirements and—most importantly—community needs.

As Jason puts it, “No two days look the same, but the throughline is supporting the team and removing barriers so they can do meaningful work in the field.”

Jason was drawn to HCN because of its clear commitment to culturally responsive, community-led care. What stood out most to him was the way HCN centers at-risk communities, families, and lived experience not only in its programs, but in its leadership and decision-making. That alignment continues to guide how he shows up every day.

For Jason, HCN’s mission is about accountability. “It means showing up consistently, honoring people’s lived experiences, and building systems of care that actually work for those who are most impacted,” he shares.

That belief is reflected in how CHOPP operates—meeting people where they are, offering judgment-free support, and focusing on connection.

CHOPP Team headed out to do peer based community work!

One moment that has stayed with Jason is watching peer support staff build trust with community members who are often overlooked. Seeing someone move from initial outreach to accepting support—or even just feeling seen—reinforces why this work matters. These moments, though sometimes quiet, represent real progress in a crisis that demands patience, consistency, and care.

Jason’s work connects directly to the communities and families HCN serves by creating the structure that allows peer-led care to thrive. Whether through overdose prevention, recovery coaching, street outreach, or education, the goal is always the same: increase access, reduce harm, and strengthen pathways to care.

What Jason believes sets HCN apart is its values in action. “HCN leads with culture," he says. Programs are built by and for the communities they serve, with deep respect for lived experience. That approach shapes not only how services are delivered, but how staff are supported and trusted to do their work well.

Much of Jason’s impact happens behind the scenes. From cleaning and translating data, to aligning systems and coordinating partners, he works to ensure community-centered work remains sustainable without losing its heart.

As he notes, “That behind-the-scenes work is what keeps programs going.”

When the work feels heavy, Jason stays grounded by staying connected—to the team, to the community, and to the purpose behind the work. He reminds himself that progress doesn’t always look dramatic. Sometimes it looks like consistency, presence, and showing up again tomorrow.

Guided by integrity, clarity, accountability, and care, Jason leads with transparency and respect for people’s time, effort, and lived experience. Outside of work, he recharges by spending time with family and friends, getting outside, reflecting, and staying grounded in practices that support his own growth.

We’re grateful for Jason’s leadership and the steady, thoughtful way he strengthens CHOPP and advances HCN’s commitment to healing, prevention, and connection. His work is helping ensure that more people have access to the care, support, and dignity they deserve.

To support HCN and programs like these please consider donating at www.hcnkids.org/donate.

CHOPP (Community Holistic Overdose Prevention Program) is a peer-based Substance Use Disorder (SUD) program dedicated to reducing and preventing overdose deaths while addressing the opioid epidemic through outreach, education, and recovery support.

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