A.P.H.A.C.

The Association for Public Health Action in Criminal Justice exists to promote critical analysis of the criminal justice system from a public health perspective. APHAC is an organizational base for students and faculty from diverse academic and professional backgrounds who are committed to 1) identifying, assessing, and addressing the public health impacts of the criminal justice system on people, communities, and other systems; 2) raising awareness about the intersection and common causes of disparities in health and retributive justice; and 3) promoting student participation in public events, student activities, and lectures related to criminal justice issues.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

New Mexico to study harm reduction (supervised injection sites)

The New Mexico Senate, with endorsement from public health agencies and the governor, passed a memorial (43-0) that funds RWJ Foundation for Health Policy at University of New Mexico to study harm reduction treatment approaches in response to a CDC brief on the overdose rates in the states where N.M. ranked the highest. Controversially (b/c one does not exist in US) the memorial includes intentions to consider supervised injection programs.

From DPA.

"Medically supervised injection facilities are controlled health care settings where drug users can more safely use drugs under clinical supervision and receive health care, counseling, and referral to health and social services, including drug treatment. These sites have proven to prevent overdose fatalities, increase access or referrals to addiction treatment programs, and save taxpayers by reducing costs associated with emergency room visits, crime and violence. There are no Medically Supervised Injection Facilities operating in the United States, however, sites are operating in 27 cities around the world, including in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sydney, and Oslo."

Link to announcement on DPA site.
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2 comments:

  1. Shae CaliFebruary 9, 2012 at 6:32 AM

    Fascinating. I think that there are many organizations across the United States that support such measures. I wonder what the incidence rates in New Mexico have to do with the availability and quality of commonly used drugs, particularly injectable meth. I'm excited to look into this issue more thoroughly, especially as I prepare for an internship at the University of New Mexico.

    Is there an interest in harm reduction among our reading community? It is certainly a salient issue in public health and particularly relevant to those involved in the criminal justice system due to substance dependence, co-occurring mental illness, and other cascading effects of substance dependence, such as homelessness, potential for crime, etc.

    Let's continue this discussion!

    ReplyDelete
  2. David H. CloudFebruary 11, 2012 at 2:11 PM

    Shae, you should figure out who at U.N.M. is heading the RWJ grant and get on board somehow while you're out there this summer.

    ReplyDelete

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