Breakout Session: Creating Harm Reduction Approaches that are Responsive to the Needs of the Black Community

Led by: Trina Johnson, PhD, MSc (Research Scientist, Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center. Boston, MA.) 

Joy Rucker (Co-Founder, Black Harm Reduction Network) 

Dallas Clark (Founder and Director, Cultivating Better Minds Inc. Springfield, MA.) 

Shanna Person-Johnson (Human Services, Boston, MA.) 

Summary: As the national rate of overdose decreases in 2024, there is increasing awareness and acknowledgement that Black people in the United States still face a disparity in overdose mortality, an ongoing crisis that urgently needs attention. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) describes harm reduction as an evidence-based approach that is critical to engaging with people who use drugs and equipping them with life-saving tools. Unfortunately, many of the existing life-saving tools do not make it into the hands of Black people who use substances. The National Harm Reduction Coalition defines Harm Reduction as a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use. What strategies and ideas work best for minimizing harm for Black people? This workshop will focus on creating harm reduction approaches that are responsive to the needs of Black communities.