January 2021: The Civil Rights Clinic and the Texas Harm Reduction Alliance released a report detailing the availability and benefits of harm reduction-based health services for people who use drugs. The report explains why health services such as syringe service programs, medication-assisted treatment, testing for HIV and HCV (Hepatitis C) are critical to prevent overdose and promote health. The report also explains why investment in health services is cost-effective and produces far better health benefits, when compared with criminal drug enforcement. The report makes recommendations for legal reforms to increase access to health services for people who use drugs.
A discussion on the current state of the opioid overdose epidemic in Texas, harm reduction-based approaches, and policy responses at the Texas legislature. Speakers include Claire Zagorski, MSc, LP and Program Coordinator for the PhARM (Pharmacy Addictions Research & Medicine) program of the University of Texas College of Pharmacy, and Ranjana Natarajan, Clinical Law Professor and Director of the Civil Rights Clinic at the University of Texas School of Law. Introducing the talk will be Dr. Lori Holleran Steiker, UT Regents Distinguished Professor and Steve Hicks Professor of Addiction and Substance Abuse Services at the UT Steve Hicks School of Social Work and Associate Dean of UT School of Undergraduate Studies.