Conference Objectives

This conference has two primary objectives. The first objective is to learn more about the drug overdose crisis and harm reduction policies in the United States and Canada and Western Europe. This wide-ranging discussion will address structural factors influencing the drug overdose crisis, including the relationship between economics, health, and substance use disorders. The conference will also compare the War on Drugs with harm reduction. The conference will consider the current state of the drug overdose crisis in North America and the potential for a similar crisis unfolding in Europe. The conference will also highlight specific harm reduction measures to address the overdose crisis, including SSPs in Europe, the US, and Pennsylvania, and the provision of naloxone and drug testing strips in the US and Europe.

The second objective of this conference is to learn about and assist state and local policies and practices for Syringe Services Programs, naloxone and drug testing strips. In recognition that syringe services for drug users remain illegal in much of Pennsylvania, the conference will address current legislation in the Pennsylvania General Assembly to allow for statewide SSPs. Of particular interest is the legislation co-sponsored by former State Representative Sara Innamorato.[1] Conference attendees will discuss different strategies for promoting and passing this and similar harm reduction legislation in the General Assembly. The conference will also address how the opioid reversal drug naloxone and drug testing strips can be more widely distributed at the University of Pittsburgh and other post-secondary educational institutions.[2] This discussion will explore the current state of the distribution of naloxone and drug testing strips at Pitt and other universities, colleges, and community colleges. Conference attendees will discuss what could be done, if necessary, to make naloxone and testing strips more readily available to students through student health centers, university and college pharmacies, and campus vending machines.