Susan’s son wanted help for his addiction. But he faced barrier after barrier in his search - from the criminal legal system, insurance companies, and more. People who are struggling need care, not more challenges.
Governor Newsom Signs Bill to Increase Access to Drug Checking, a Proven Health-Centered Overdose Prevention Strategy
Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) worked in partnership with a community of people and organizations from across the nation to lay the groundwork for Overdose Prevention Centers National Solidarity Week. From August 25-31, 2024, community partners held events designed to build local power and generate momentum for life-saving overdose prevention centers (OPCs). The events featured a range of impactful actions—from rallies and marches to vigils, tribute walks, and even mock and pop-up OPCs. National events also included a virtual press conference and a digital sign-on letter.
Legislation to encourage expansion of lifesaving drug checking programs is heading to Governor Newsom’s desk. AB 2136, authored by Assemblymember Jones-Sawyer, would remove barriers to implementing drug checking programs and establish legal protections for those involved with such services in efforts to encourage the launch of more programs statewide.
H.B. 4002 is a costly, complicated return to the war on drugs that will primarily impact Black and brown Oregonians.
Everyone deserves accessible, evidence-based treatment options. Many people who struggle with fentanyl addiction want treatment. Yet many of them cannot find, are unable to afford, or do not receive the most evidence-based treatments. We asked Dr. Goodman-Meza, an addiction medicine specialist, what treatments for fentanyl addiction are most effective and what services people need.
No one should die from a drug overdose. These deaths are preventable. Many of the deaths we’ve seen in the overdose crisis have involved the potent opioid drug fentanyl. But there are strategies to help avoid drug use becoming fatal. We asked Dr. Goodman-Meza, an addiction medicine specialist, how people who use drugs can reduce the risk of overdose when using fentanyl.
Biden Administration’s Fentanyl Proposal Would Create Severe Criminal Penalties for People Struggling with Addiction and Restrict Research
A clear majority support removing marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act entirely, demonstrating growing recognition that rescheduling is not enough
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