Harm Reduction & Drug Policy
BPD data makes it hard to argue that Baltimore's drug war isn't alive and well
Earlier this week, the Baltimore Beat published my deep dive on the War on Drugs in Baltimore. Nearly everyone arrested and charged with drug "crimes" is Black.
In Baltimore's drug war, 'public safety' comes before public health. Nearly all of those impacted are Black
City officials have found themselves unable — or unwilling — to let go of punitive drug enforcement and the millions of dollars it takes to bankroll the cops who carry it out.
BPD pleads for money to fuel drug-war policing as health department faces budget cuts
As it does every year, the Baltimore Police Department asked for an increase in funding this week, in part to fund drug enforcement efforts. Yet its tactics exacerbate the overdose crisis at a time when public health funding could be upended.
In OD crisis talks, Sen. Alsobrooks brings moderate politics to a fight demanding progressive reforms
U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks has positioned herself as a moderate Democrat who will fight to prevent cuts to Medicaid and other public health services. Yet her politics may not meet the calls for more ambitious reforms.
Baltimore's harm reduction movement doesn't back down — but a larger coalition must form
Harm reductionists have joined the city's Opioid Restitution Advisory Board in fighting to ensure that a windfall of funds from opioid lawsuits is allocated in the best interest of those who use drugs. More Baltimoreans must show up.
As Baltimore battles overdose crisis and hosts East Coast’s largest addiction conference, harm reduction practices shine
Harm reduction has only grown in popularity in the U.S. and internationally — on the same day as the conference in Baltimore, roughly 1,000 people attended the Harm Reduction International Conference in Bogotá, Colombia.
Baltimore officials love a good drug bust, but they can be deadly for drug users
Mayor Brandon Scott and law enforcement officials touted the takedown of a drug trafficking organization. The busts may not be a good thing for those who use drugs in Baltimore.
What does Mayor Scott's proposed budget mean for harm reduction in Baltimore?
Mayor Brandon Scott's budget will undoubtedly impact harm reduction efforts in Baltimore. The truth is, however, it's not entirely clear how — but there is definitely room for improvement.
Concerns arise over fed funding in Baltimore opioid restitution board's first meeting
Baltimore's new Opioid Restitution Advisory Board held its first meeting this week. Like many others, its members had federal funding cuts on their minds.
As Trump ramps up drug war, there's one bill local harm reductionists loved to see fail
A bill being considered by the General Assembly would fan the flames of the drug war in Maryland — and its likely death is crucial in the current political landscape.
OPC and ‘paraphernalia’ decrim bills miss key deadline in Maryland
The bills have failed to gain traction in the Democrat-controlled legislature despite ardent support from public health experts and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott.
Baltimore's open-air drug market problem is a 'public nuisance' it helped create
In this week's Redux Newsletter, it's important to set the record straight on open-air drug markets — why they're here and how they're addressed.