DEMON IN CHARGE? –
May 19, 2026 – In April, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration notified states that the federal government is terminating financial support for some harm reduction approaches. This marks a profound shift under the Great American Recovery Initiative, which now prioritizes abstinence and treatment over compassionate, evidence-based resources. For years, harm reduction initiatives have successfully provided life-saving tools like fentanyl test strips and naloxone, and have minimized the negative health, social, and economic consequences associated with drug use.
The impact of these resources is evident in recent local data. In 2025, Milwaukee recorded 383 fatal overdoses, representing a sharp and historic decline from a peak of 674 deaths in 2022. While drug fatalities are not declining at the same accelerated rate in communities of color, the overall nearly 50% reduction over three years mirrors a positive trend across the United States. Public officials and health advocates directly attribute this massive decline to expanded harm reduction efforts and strategic community interventions.
