This conference will highlight the overdose crisis in the United States and Pennsylvania while exploring harm reduction programs in Europe, Canada, and Latin America for potential solutions. Along with research and educational components, the conference will emphasize local policies and programs. We seek to understand how the University of Pittsburgh and its partner organizations may contribute to practical solutions.
Day One will consist of panels and keynote speakers that address the causes and consequences of the overdose crisis and how harm reduction policies and programs can help. Day Two will consist of a workshop focused on two specific policy issues:
- The lack of legal Syringe Services Programs (SSPs) across Pennsylvania, and the
- University of Pittsburgh’s policy towards the distribution of naloxone and drug testing strips on Pitt campuses
This conference is the culmination of over a year and a half of work between a variety of people and institutions throughout the University of Pittsburgh and the greater Pittsburgh community, all passionate about harm reduction on our campus and in our community.