Doug Johnson

“Regressive Thinking” Ends Syringe, Pipe Distribution at Edmonton Transit Stations

Until recently, Boyle Street Community Services staff had been handing out various harm reduction tools to people who wanted and…

February 21, 2023

Inherent Problems With Post-Incarceration Services for Drug Users

Social service programs have a long way to go to build trust with people who use drugs who have been…

February 15, 2023

Project to Set Up 100 Harm Reduction “Vending Machines” Across Canada

Vending machines are increasingly being deployed to distribute harm reduction supplies in North America. As Filter has reported, they’re being…

February 6, 2023

As Decriminalization Begins in British Columbia, Activists Watch Warily

British Columbia has officially become the first first province in Canada to decriminalize possession of small quantities of opioids, cocaine,…

January 31, 2023

New Jersey’s Plan to Offer Free Naloxone for All at Pharmacies

Getting naloxone should be about to get much easier in New Jersey. Governor Phil Murphy (D) announced in his January…

January 23, 2023

Heroin Nasal Spray Increases Harm Reduction Options in Switzerland

Back in the 1990s, Switzerland pioneered heroin-assisted treatment—successfully addressing HIV and overdose crises by offering an early form of safe…

January 17, 2023

Lack of Person-Centered Research Impedes Rural Access to OUD Meds

Across the United States, people face many barriers to accessing medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). This is often particularly…

January 9, 2023

Hurricane Maria Flagged Post-Disaster Drug Harm Reduction Needs

Hurricane Maria was one of the worst natural disasters that the United States—and in particular Puerto Rico—has seen. In September…

December 13, 2022

Alberta’s New Premier Could Be Even More Anti-Harm Reduction

The new premier of Alberta, Canada, is offering a similar drug policy approach to her predecessor, only worse, a leading…

November 23, 2022

The Barriers to PrEP Uptake Among People Who Inject Drugs

Since 2012, medications designed to protect people from contracting HIV have been hard at work. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), as they're…

November 17, 2022