Free Movement

How do we improve the health and well-being of people affected by drug use and drug policies? How do we do outreach nonjudgmentally and meet people where they are?   In the face of skyrocketing rate of drug overdose deaths, reversing the uptick in HIV and Hepatitis C transhion calls for steering a path that recognizes drugs as a public health problem, not a criminal one. While a great number of expectations are often placed on drug users to change their behaviors, the social context that creates and reinforces drug-related stigma is rarely explored or further – challenged. Examining the impact of syringe exchange programs and other approaches, this session explores the relationship building that leads to participation making health care decisions, like looking into treatment.