Harm reduction programs meet people where they are, empowering them with tools that reduce the risks of drug use, prevent overdose, improve health, and save lives. These programs are essential to keeping people alive and connected to care until treatment is possible.
But harm reduction programs and their clients face ongoing threats from law enforcement in many areas of the country. Additionally, programs and clients increasingly fear action by federal immigration officers.
The Network for Public Health Law and the Drug Policy Alliance have created a resource to help harm reduction organizations and individuals understand their legal rights. Our fact sheet provides an overview of relevant laws, including the legal rights that apply relative to drug paraphernalia and drug possession laws, and rights under the 4th and 5th Amendments. It also includes a list of additional resources.
Read our fact sheet: Summary of Constitutional Protections for Harm Reduction Programs