“For me, forgiveness and compassion are always linked: how do we hold people accountable for wrongdoing and yet at the same time remain in touch with their humanity enough to believe in their capacity to be transformed?”  

- Bell Hooks

The time has come to elevate the harm reduction movement in Massachusetts! We are excited to announce some important updates from the Massachusetts Harm Reduction Workforce Coalition (MAHRWC). For far too long, the vital work of the harm reduction community has taken place behind the scenes. Now, this initiative is evolving into a fully recognized coalition.

MAHRWC will address the significant challenges faced by the harm reduction workforce, such as stress and burnout, by offering essential resources, training, and networking opportunities for professional development. It has come together over the past few years with the committed efforts of a group of experienced harm reduction practitioners, frontline workers, and individuals with lived and living experience of drug use.

We are pleased to announce that Kim Powers was chosen by the advisory committee to serve as the inaugural executive director of the coalition. Kim has four decades of experience building low-barrier health systems for marginalized communities, and we are very excited to have her leading our small but mighty team.

We are on a transformative mission to uplift the health, wellness, and dignity of people who use drugs, their families, communities, and the dedicated individuals who serve them. We invite you to join us.

To kick off our first newsletter and set the tone for what you can expect from MAHRWC going forward, we begin with a special note from Advisory Committee Member Mary Wheeler: