VIDEO – IT’S THE ONLY SOLUTION –

March 11, 2024 – “If you reduce stigma and fear of criminalization, people are more likely to be vulnerable and honest about the struggles they have,” Schaffner said. “When they’re able to do that, they’re more likely to seek out help.” “If you reduce stigma and fear of criminalization, people are more likely to be vulnerable and honest about the struggles they have,” Schaffner said. “When they’re able to do that, they’re more likely to seek out help.” “In the three years, mostly which was during a pandemic, was a 100% increase in people seeking supportive services,” Schaffner said. 

He said when drugs are illegal, it creates societal barriers for users, and that people have a harder time accessing housing and employment after drug charges. 

Schaffner said decriminalization isn’t intended to create a space where people can freely use drugs, it’s to help people get the support they need.

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