Drug Sellers as Harm Reduction Allies

Drug Sellers as Harm Reduction Allies
San Jose, 2nd Floor
Drug sellers can be unrecognized partners in reducing the harms for people who use drugs. Drug sellers are often blamed, stigmatized, and subjected to draconian criminal penalties. But, while some drug sellers take little responsibility for the health of their customers, others are sterile syringe providers, harm reduction experts, and community educators. What is the role for drug sellers and what do they see as their role? What can advocates and health service providers learn from drug sellers about how to better reduce harms from drugs? What are the challenges to working with drug sellers in communities and harm reduction programs?

Facilitator: Bill Piper, Director, National Affairs, Drug Policy Alliance, Washington D.C.

• Rachel Anderson, Executive Director, Safer Alternatives thru Networking and Education (SANE), Sacramento, CA
• Tyler Butts, Satellite Syringe Exchange, Safer Alternatives thru Networking and Education (SANE), Sacramento, CA
• Hiawatha Collins, Board Member, VOCAL, New York, NY
• Hilary McQuie, California Director, Harm Reduction Coalition, Oakland, CA
• Nathan Messer, Board President, DanceSafe, Seattle, WA
• Deborah Small, Executive Director, Break the Chains, Berkeley, CA (Invited)
• Malakkar Vohryzek, Drug Reform Strategist, San Francisco, CA