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?

Is $5.5 billion justice—or just closure without accountability? In this powerful and deeply personal reflection, Rob Kent, Esq., President of Kent Strategic Advisors and former New York State drug policy official, examines the conclusion of the federal criminal case against Purdue Pharma. For policymakers, clinicians, and those impacted by the opioid crisis, Kent’s message is clear: financial penalties alone are not enough.

Robert Kent, Esq., writes that in trying to fix the opioid crisis with policy changes, we may have created a second one.