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It is with broken hearts and profound sadness we share our beloved former colleague and forever friend, Lill Prosperino, has passed away. Lill was a light. Their smile and laugh made the whole room — virtual or in-person — brighter. Lill embodied harm reduction. Lill was and is harm reduction.    Throughout their work as … Honoring our beloved colleague and friend, Lill Prosperino

NHRC devastated by Grants Pass case decision   Criminalizing homelessness will cost lives   National Harm Reduction Coalition (NHRC) is appalled by the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling criminalizing people who are houseless, a deadly and devastating decision that will cost lives—particularly for people who use drugs and their loved ones.   NHRC joined thousands … STATEMENT: NHRC appalled by deadly Supreme Court ruling

Black Harm Reduction Network co-founder focuses on path ahead Rucker discusses the heart of a vision   Making a way out of no way is not new to Joy Rucker, co-founder of the Black Harm Reduction Network (BHRN), who has worked at the intersections of substance use, HIV, houselessness, and mental health issues for several … Beyond Black History Month Spotlight: Joy Rucker

Black Harm Reduction Network reimagines freedom, self-determination, equity ‘You never give up on a vision,’ says co-founder     “You never give up on a vision.”   Those are the words of Black Harm Reduction Network Co-Founder Joy Rucker, who sat down with National Harm Reduction Coalition to illuminate the history of the network’s origins … Black History Month: Black Harm Reduction Network spotlight

NHRC addresses National Harm Reduction Technical Assistance Center changes By NHRC Executive Director, Laura Guzman   As you may be aware, National Harm Reduction Coalition (NHRC) is no longer affiliated with the National Harm Reduction Technical Assistance Center (NHRTAC). NHRC was previously funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) directly to be … STATEMENT: NHRC addresses NHRTAC changes

NHRC condemns arrests of Drug User Liberation Front (DULF) members National Harm Reduction Coalition joins hundreds of organizations across the globe in support of the Drug User Liberation Front (DULF) in Canada, condemning the arrests of two DULF members and the criminalization of community-regulated safe supply. DULF’s work has been essential in saving lives and … STATEMENT: NHRC STANDS IN SOLIDARITY WITH DULF

As NYC overdoses spike, harm reduction needed more than ever “While they drag their feet, people are dying”   As overdoses continue to soar in New York City, NYC Health is asking the community to carry naloxone (commonly known by brand name Narcan) to reverse overdoses. Overdoses are preventable, and access to naloxone — among … NHRC urges action amid NYC overdose soar

Life-saving statewide coalition shifts the narrative on International Overdose Awareness Day CASEP celebrates the ‘sheroes’/’theyroes’/heroes saving lives across CA   SACRAMENTO, CA, August 30, 2023 — Over 60 harm reduction programs that make up the California Syringe Exchange Programs (CASEP) Coalition are taking collective action August 31 on International Overdose Awareness Day to focus on … CASEP PRESS RELEASE: LIFE-SAVING COALITION SHIFTS NARRATIVE ON IOAD

NHRC APPLAUDS SAMHSA’S DEVELOPMENT OF HARM REDUCTION FRAMEWORK, ADVOCATES FOR NEEDED CHANGE Framework is step in the right direction, and NHRC sees room for improvement   National Harm Reduction Coalition (NHRC) applauds the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) as the first federal agency to release a “Harm Reduction Framework” with requests for … NHRC advocates for needed change with SAMHSA’s harm reduction framework

Showing support for Maui comrades in wake of wildfires   Dear beloved harm reduction community,   Our fellow comrades at the Maui AIDS Foundation in Maui, Hawai’i, are navigating through the devastating effects of wildfires that have torn through the area, and they need our solidarity and support. Like the true harm reductionists they are, even in the midst … Showing support for Maui comrades in wake of wildfires

NHRC stands in solidarity with OnPoint NYC’s life-saving overdose prevention centers The data is clear: Overdose prevention centers (OPCs), like the operation run by OnPoint NYC, save lives – and so much more. Despite this, threats to these services that keep people alive have grown louder, potentially forcing the closure of OnPoint NYC’s doors.   … NHRC stands in solidarity with OnPoint NYC’s life-saving overdose prevention centers

CALIFORNIA MAKES HISTORY WITH HARM REDUCTION INVESTMENT Funding supports CASEP’s life-saving work   With the largest investment in harm reduction in California’s history, National Harm Reduction Coalition (NHRC) is profoundly ecstatic about the state budget’s inclusion of $61 million over four years for life-saving programs and services stemming from California’s Opioid Settlement Funds. NHRC, the … PRESS RELEASE: California makes history with harm reduction investment

Drug Policy Alliance and National Harm Reduction Coalition issue joint statement condemning San Francisco’s forced treatment scheme and arrests of people who use drugs   San Francisco’s effort to arrest drug users will not save lives and is counterproductive to efforts to reduce harms of drug use and improve public safety   SAN FRANCISCO, CA, June … JOINT STATEMENT: DPA and NHRC condemn SF’s forced treatment and arrests

FIHR and NHRC announce a new chapter For the past six years, National Harm Reduction Coalition (NHRC) has incubated Faith in Harm Reduction (FIHR) and the work to build and strengthen the harm reduction movement in faith-based mobilization efforts and spaces. During this time, FIHR has mobilized a robust action network of over 2,100 faith … JOINT STATEMENT: FIHR AND NHRC ANNOUNCE A NEW CHAPTER

‘If this funding is not extended…our people will die,’ NHRC director says Advocate network rallies for life-saving programs amidst budget talks SACRAMENTO, CA, MAY 15, 2023 — Lives are on the line as legislators decide the California state budget, and advocates are fighting to renew funding that has saved thousands of lives in just the … PRESS RELEASE: ‘If this funding is not extended…our people will die,’ NHRC director says

From “abstinence proponent” to “’ardent protester’ in support of harm reduction” By: Mike Pomante Black history should be taught and celebrated year-round, not just during one month each year. National Harm Reduction Coalition (NHRC) is privileged to continue to highlight the invaluable contributions of Black harm reductionists to the movement while at the same time … Women’s History Month: Celebrating the life and legacy of Imani Woods

National Harm Reduction Coalition (NHRC) is privileged to continue to spotlight Black harm reductionists who have made invaluable contributions to the Harm Reduction Movement and used their voices to advocate for the safety, dignity, health, and experiences of people who use drugs and communities impacted by drug use. As part of Black History Month and … Q&A WITH DR. LISA MOORE: The movement’s origins and importance of following north star

In observance of Black History Month, National Harm Reduction Coalition (NHRC) is honored to recognize Dr. Ricky N. Bluthenthal for his ongoing commitment to lifting up the voices and experiences of people who use drugs and his many contributions to the harm reduction movement. For decades, Dr. Bluthenthal has worked in the movement in several … Dr. Ricky Bluthenthal: Committed to lifting up voices of people who use drugs

As we start this new year, we wanted to take time following a period of mourning with family, friends, and community to pay a special tribute to our friend and colleague Dr. Carmen Landau, who passed away while supporting our conference in October. As part of this tribute, we would like to also uplift the … Remembering and honoring Dr. Carmen Landau

Written by: Mike Pomante Black History Month is a time to honor and commemorate all Black Americans, past and present, and celebrate their profound impact on history, society, and community in the face of injustice, racism, and oppression. Over the next few weeks, National Harm Reduction Coalition (NHRC) looks forward to spotlighting Black harm reductionists … Black History Month and Beyond: Honoring Keith Cylar

Written by: Laura Guzman Dear friends, I am honored to continue my service with the National Harm Reduction Coalition (NHRC) as acting executive director! I have transitioned to this role after serving for three years as NHRC’s senior capacity building and community mobilization director, leading our fabulous San Francisco and California team and work. Initially, I … A Message from Our Acting Executive Director, Laura Guzman

Years into recovery, I never forgot the kindness of Haven Wheelock.  My family had forced me into treatment twice, only for me to relapse and OD.  I walked into the syringe exchange scared and alone. I’d had a Hep C exposure. She didn’t say, “but don’t you want to go to treatment?!” I’d been down … “Harm Reduction Saved My Life” by Morgan Godvin

Dear National Harm Reduction Coalition Community, Today is a very humbling day for me. It reminds me of my very first day at the National Harm Reduction Coalition three years ago. I came to NHRC because I believed in the mission of the organization, and I wanted to help create change for those who are … A Message From Our New Executive Director: Dr. Orisha Bowers