Author Archives: bhrc2019

To Address Overdose Epidemic, Maryland Lawmakers Must Pass Paraphernalia Decriminalization Bill  BALTIMORE, MD––Today, amid continually record-breaking overdose deaths, 120 Maryland medical and public health professionals––including physicians, nurses, and social workers who work closely with and treat patients with substance use disorder––sent a letter to Senate President Bill Ferguson urging him to call a vote onContinue reading “Over 100 Maryland Medical and Public Health Professionals Urge Senator Ferguson To Pass H.B. 481”

Baltimore Harm Reduction Coalition 2022 Maryland General Assembly Legislative Agenda Baltimore Harm Reduction Coalition (BHRC) has four overarching priorities for community mobilization and policy advocacy from 2021-2025: 1) gain community reparation from over a century of harm, and freedom from criminalization; 2) end state-sanctioned surveillance policies that reduce opportunities and access for people who useContinue reading “BHRC Legislative Agenda”

By Sheri From the wise words of Beyonce on the remix of ‘Savage’ by Megan Thee Stallion, ‘on her demon time she might start an onlyfans’, I advise you not to. Yes, that’s right we should not listen to Beyonce this time because Onlyfans does not listen to sex workers. I’m Sheri, a sex workerContinue reading “On My Demon Time, I Might Boycott Onlyfans”

One month ago on May 26, 2021, Maryland Governor Hogan made yet another policy decision demonstrating his dedication to the racist war on drugs. On this day, he vetoed SB420 which would have decriminalized possession of paraphernalia for administration (aka personal drug use).   In his official letter to Senate President Ferguson (link), Governor Hogan madeContinue reading “Paraphernalia Will Be Decriminalized in Maryland”

Monday, March 29, 2021 Proposed policy Criminal Law – Drug Paraphernalia for Administration – Decriminalization (House Bill 372 and Senate Bill 420) has the potential to become law this year, increasing public health and safety. Over the past week, the Maryland House of Delegates passed HB372 (91-39) and the Maryland Senate passed SB420 with amendmentsContinue reading “BHRC’s Position on Amendments to SB420 (Paraphernalia Decriminalization)”

By Dave Fell In mid-March of this year, the city of Oakland, CA partnered with Alameda County to provide assistance to unsheltered residents of the area. According to a post on the city’s website dated March 13th, this partnership managed to install 42 portable toilets and wash stations at 19 new encampments (not counting theContinue reading “Hand Washing for the People”

By Smitha Mahesh, with Rajani Gudlavalleti Content Warning: Islamophobia, sexism, racism As usual, I am scrolling through Twitter, to get the latest tea on celebrities and politicians and refresh my soul with a feed filled with daily pictures of big fluffy bunnies, corgis, and pandas.  But of course, my joyous vibe came to a haltContinue reading “When COVID-19 Harm Reduction is Met with White Feminist Islamaphobia”