John Makohen combines lived experience and counseling expertise to argue that harm reduction is survival, not surrender. Naloxone, fentanyl test strips, medications, and overdose prevention centers keep people alive, reduce harm, and connect them with care.

Joshua Bennett-Johnson argues for harm reduction, naloxone, syringe services, safer-use tools, autonomy, and dignity in addiction care.

Rob Kent, Esq. writes from nearly 20 years of work in state and federal drug policy, including his time as general counsel at the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports. In this Harm Reduction Series article, he explains how witnessing preventable loss changed his view of harm reduction and strengthened his belief in the full continuum of care. His central question is direct: how can we help people stay alive and get better?