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[ [link removed] ]Dream.org logo: a purple letter D and an orange letter O intersecting
John,
As Overdose Awareness Day approaches this Thursday, we pause to remember
and honor the lives lost to substance abuse disorders, including the
devastating impact of opioids. At Dream.Org, our mission is to reduce the
number of families that experience the pain of losing a loved one to
overdose. This day is not just about remembrance; it's a call to urgent
action.
A Troubling Trend: The Rise of Harmful Legislation:
We're already seeing alarming legislative trends across the country that
aim to increase penalties for fentanyl possession, lower threshold amounts
for higher sentencing, and introduce other failed “War on Drugs” policies
that expand mass incarceration and solve nothing. We must be vigilant and
act swiftly to prevent further harm.
[ [link removed] ]Click to Read How Lawmakers are Increasing Penalties for Fentanyl Addiction
Our team at Dream.Org along with our Empathy Network leaders from across
the country are working to identify and mobilize responses to stop
legislative proposals focused on punitive measures and failed
tough-on-crime policies in the next legislative season.
The evidence is unequivocal: extended prison sentences and stringent
penalties do not reduce drug use across the nation. Instead, such punitive
measures fuel a massive surge in incarceration rates. This approach
disproportionately impacts the most marginalized and under-resourced
individuals in our society, eroding the fabric of our communities and
exacerbating the crisis of preventable overdose fatalities. At Dream.Org,
we are steadfastly committed to stopping the passage of these detrimental
bills through strategic state-level campaigns.
[ [link removed] ]Click Here to Read Our Blog on the Fentanyl Crisis and Good and Bad Fentanyl
Bills
In addition to our state legislative work, we have joined the Public
Health is Public Safety coalition in Kentucky which has just concluded an
extraordinarily successful awareness tour of Kentucky.
Our Success in Kentucky: Public Health is Public Safety:
The Public Health is Public Safety coalition is committed to a
compassionate, effective, and equitable approach to substance use. The
Public Health is Public Safety tour of Kentucky went to five cities and
held in-person events attended by community activists, harm reduction
specialists, law enforcement, and directly impacted individuals.
The campaign was a resounding success, and we're excited to incorporate
its strategies into our national Fentanyl Awareness Campaign as we expand
Public Health is Public Safety in the states.
The Power of Harm Reduction:
Harm reduction is more than a policy; it is a lifeline. By moving away
from punitive measures and towards community-based solutions, we can help
those struggling with addiction find the help they need without fear of
prosecution.
[ [link removed] ]Click Here to Join Our Empathy Network
A Lesson in History:
The War on Drugs is a war on people, particularly those from Black, Brown,
and marginalized communities. At Dream.Org, we are deeply committed to
rectifying the enduring injustices of the War on Drugs. We are reminded
daily in our EQUAL Act advocacy of the horrors that come from
tough-on-crime; incarceration centered policies. As we stand on the
precipice of shaping our national response to the fentanyl crisis, we must
heed these painful lessons to ensure we do not add another tragic chapter
to an already harrowing history.
Fentanyl as a Public Health Issue:
Addiction is a complex interplay of socioeconomic factors and mental
health challenges. By treating fentanyl addiction as a public health
issue, we can provide compassionate, effective care and break the cycle of
addiction.
Be a Change-Maker: Join the Empathy Network:
We invite you to become part of our [ [link removed] ]Empathy Network, a community of
directly impacted advocates and allies standing beside us working together
to make change across the country.
Why You Matter:
Your involvement is crucial. As we prepare for the 2024 legislative
sessions, we need a strong, informed community ready to act against
harmful legislation. Your voice can be that tipping point.
Your Next Step:
Let's use Overdose Awareness Day as a springboard for meaningful
action. [ [link removed] ]Join the Empathy Network now to stay informed, engage in
advocacy, and connect with others who share your commitment to change.
Together, we can create a world where compassion and understanding replace
punishment and stigma.
In solidarity,
— Dream.Org
[ ] [ ]
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