ORN Fall 2022 #5 - The State of Harm Reduction in the US: Progress, Barriers, and What's Next-Recording - #5 - The State of Harm Reduction in the US: Progress, Barriers, and What's Next

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this video, Dr. Brandon Marshall discusses the state of harm reduction in the U.S., with a focus on overdose prevention centers (OPCs). He explains that harm reduction is a set of practical strategies aimed at reducing the negative consequences associated with drug use. Dr. Marshall highlights the importance of harm reduction in addressing the ongoing overdose crisis in the country, citing the exponential increase in drug overdose deaths over the past 40 years. He emphasizes the racial and geographic disparities in drug overdose mortality rates and the need for comprehensive harm reduction responses that address these disparities.<br /><br />Dr. Marshall discusses three key harm reduction interventions: naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and overdose prevention centers. He provides evidence to support the effectiveness of these interventions and their potential to save lives and reduce harm. He explains the role of OPCs as community-based clinics where people can consume pre-obtained drugs under the supervision of trained staff. He discusses the positive impact of OPCs on reducing overdose mortality rates and facilitating access to medical care, treatment programs, and social support services.<br /><br />Dr. Marshall also highlights the barriers to implementing harm reduction interventions, including punitive approaches to drug-related problems, misconceptions about substance use disorders, myths about harm reduction interventions, and legal barriers. He emphasizes the need for continued research, advocacy, and policy changes to promote the widespread adoption of harm reduction practices in the U.S. The video concludes with a Q&A session and an invitation to attend the next webinar on this topic.

Keywords

harm reduction

overdose prevention centers

drug use

overdose crisis

drug overdose deaths

racial disparities

geographic disparities

naloxone

fentanyl test strips

community-based clinics