Last month, the Biden-Harris Administration signed the American Rescue Plan to address our Opioid Crisis. These actions are critical, especially with the increased numbers in overdose deaths. The plan will invest $4 billion dollars to expand access to harm-reduction services to help individuals with Substance Use Disorder. 

Overdose Death Rates:

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 88,000 people died of an overdose in the 12-month period ending in August 2020, which is a 26.8% increase.

We were honored to be included in a round table discussion for this. Subsequently, we hope to continue providing insight to the policies on Harm Reduction. for the incoming ONDCP administration. The seven priorities they’ve outlined for year one are as follows: 

American Rescue Plan, Year One:

1: Expand access to evidence-based treatment
2: Advance racial equity in our approach to drug policy
3: Enhance evidence-based harm reduction efforts
4: Support evidence-based prevention efforts to reduce youth substance use
5: Reduce the supply of illicit substances
6: Advance recovery-ready workplaces and expanding the addiction workforce
7: Expand Access to Recovery Support Services

In short, we’re excited to see the progress that comes from this initiative. The government teams invested in being change makers will help us spread awareness. With that, we hope these conversations remove the stigma around Harm Reduction services. Overdose Deaths can be prevented and this is a great start.

As an organization that has dedicated its life to this cause, we are thrilled to be alongside the Administration in this shared fight. To read more about their work, click here.

Lastly, to our supporters, thank you for all you do to help us be the mighty little giant that we really are. To learn more about the benefits of Harm Reduction Services, read our latest blog on it here.