Friday, 13th December 2024, marks Welsh Overdose Awareness Day, an important initiative to shed light on overdose prevention and address the challenges linked to drug-related overdoses in Wales. The day encourages education on harm reduction measures and offers practical actions to save lives. One key intervention being promoted is the use of Naloxone, a life-saving...
The European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) has launched a groundbreaking network of forensic and toxicology laboratories, aimed at bolstering the EU’s preparedness to tackle drug-related health and security challenges. The network’s inaugural meeting, held today, marks a significant step forward in uniting experts from across Europe to exchange knowledge, best practices, and address pressing challenges...
San Francisco has launched its “Living Proof” health campaign as part of the fight against the city’s devastating fentanyl crisis. The initiative, spearheaded by the city’s health department, aims to encourage those battling addiction to seek treatment by showcasing success stories of individuals in recovery. The campaign features nine people who overcame addiction, their images...
In this edition of the Case Law Monitor by the Legislative Analysis and Public Policy Association, key legal cases and developments highlight ongoing challenges and progress in public health, substance use disorders, and the criminal justice system. A significant legal battle unfolds in the Southern District of New York, where 18 defendants face charges for...
At the Australian Public Health Conference (APHC), Research Officer Naomi Beard presented critical findings on suicide and self-harm-related ambulance attendances in Queensland, supported by the Margaret Hamilton Traveling Scholarship. Her research, based on the National Addiction and Mental Health Surveillance Unit’s data, reveals that 44% of suicide attempts involved overdoses of alcohol or other drugs,...
Smart Approaches to Marijuana Action (SAM Action) has launched a new advertising campaign aimed at urging Floridians to vote “NO” on Amendment 3, a ballot initiative that seeks to constitutionally protect the recreational use of marijuana. The nonprofit, which promotes a health-first approach to marijuana policy, is challenging what it describes as an “onslaught of...
In an effort to bolster transparency and accountability within democratic systems, the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE), in collaboration with the Alliance for Gambling Reform, has unveiled a pioneering search tool known as the Influence Engine. This innovative tool is designed to provide the public with greater accessibility to information regarding the influence...
As we approach World Alcohol-Free Day on Thursday, 3rd October 2024, communities around the globe are preparing to celebrate a lifestyle choice that embraces health, diversity, and personal empowerment. This day is dedicated to recognising the benefits of alcohol-free living and challenging the pervasive alcohol norms that often dominate our social environments. World Alcohol-Free Day...
New York City has announced plans to accelerate the utilisation of opioid settlement funds, having already received $154.3 million with the total expected to rise to $500 million by 2040. Mayor Eric Adams intends to increase annual spending from $33 million to $50 million over the next four years. This funding will support critical initiatives...
In the latest instalment of the Unnecessary Harm Podcast, Season 2 Episode 5, host Shane Varcoe takes listeners on an inspiring journey to Kerala, India, exploring the groundbreaking work of the 4th Wave Foundation. This eye-opening episode shines a spotlight on the foundation’s innovative approach to substance abuse prevention and community development, centred around their...