Important new analysis from Prison Policy Initiative: 1 in 2 people in state prisons meet criteria for an SUD and 2 in 3 reported drug use in the 30 days before their arrest. We need harm reduction, treatment, healthcare, income support, and housing for PWUD, not criminalization.

🧵Today marks the launch of VOCAL-US (Voices of Community Activists & Leaders) To build national power, we need a national voice. VOCAL-US gives our members & leaders an opportunity to speak on the most pressing issues - homelessness, the War on Drugs, mass incarceration, & HIV.

Instead of investing in solutions proven to work — like housing & services — cities and states are turning to ticketing & arresting people too poor to afford a place to live or get the treatment & care they need. VOCAL-US wants to change that.

VOCAL-US will draw from the power of VOCAL-NY, VOCAL-KY, & VOCAL-TX, and give members a platform to engage in federal advocacy. We’re ready to build a powerful base of leaders to win a new path forward for urban, suburban, & rural communities across the country.

Congratulations to the VOCAL_US family. Our community and movement desperately need a national voice of the “unorganizable”, those that society would rather toss aside. Every VOCAL chapter is proof that people can deliver their own change. Looking forward to more wins together

Important story: Homelessness in the USA was the highest ever on record in 2023. In 2024, homeless shelters and services are seeing an uptick in people WITH JOBS who are living in cars, etc. Low-wage workers can't afford rent.

Yesssss!!! They ain't ready for you but we are!! Congratulations!!!

No one should be locked up for marijuana. And it’s vital to know where the presidential candidates stand. Our own Maritza Perez Medina talked to @USAToday about Kamala Harris’ marijuana track record & how she’s embraced it as a racial justice issue. usatoday.com/story/news/nat…

The whole country has needed and deserved the good work VOCAL-NY had done here. And that day has come! Congratulations VOCAL_US !

Check out our ED Kassandra Frederique talk Kamala Harris’ evolving drug policy record & why whoever the next president is must go further on marijuana legalization & invest in health solutions to the overdose crisis that save lives instead of criminalize.

(1/5) We are SO EXCITED to share our brand new toolkit with you! 🎉 Gender Affirming Harm Reduction: A Toolkit for Syringe Service Programs was created with so much love and care with our friends at Trans Equity Consulting and with the support of National Harm Reduction Coalition 🔗bit.ly/LLCToolkit2024

Inhumane conditions in prisons, like the denial of hepatitis C treatment at San Quentin, highlight the need for smarter solutions. Let's advocate for a justice system that is humane. #JusticeReform #HumanRights #HealthcareForAll prismreports.org/2024/06/17/san…

Study-after-study continues to confirm that Measure 110 is INCREASING access to addiction services across the state. Despite loud misinformation campaigns claiming otherwise, Oregon is seeing more ppl connect to care W/O criminalizing addiction #orleg kgw.com/article/news/l…

Creating safer communities isn’t about who’s toughest—it’s about who’s listening. In my latest for the @ChicagoTribune, I explore how solutions-oriented policy is winning across the country, and how to build momentum towards safety and justice. bit.ly/3M5OJf2

This year's U.S. presidential election will have critical implications for drug policy nationwide. We believe drug policy should be grounded in evidence, health, equity, & human rights. Who agrees? Read our fact sheets on each candidate’s record & history: drugpolicyaction.org/2024election/

It’s Overdose Prevention Centers (OPCs) National Solidarity Week! Don’t miss this crucial Filter | harm reduction journalism piece by @drugpolicyorg’s Kellen Russoniello, outlining how we can clear the legal path for OPCs. #OPCSolidarity Let’s discuss! 🧵 filtermag.org/overdose-preve…

Excellent piece by @drugpolicyorg’s Kellen Russoniello on overdose prevention centers as an evidence-based response to the overdose crisis in the United States, their effectiveness, where progress is being made, and barriers to expansion.

Please listen. The truth this woman speaks can’t be denied.

A lot of y’all’s politics are based on what y’all are NOT gonna do… …y’all can do that in silence.

I don't like how disposable folks are to some of you.