Led by the Drug Policy Alliance, People’s Action, the National Harm Reduction Coalition, and VOCAL-NY, the organizations said the unprecedented number of overdoses in the 12-month period ending in April 2021 was “grim, but not unexpected” considering the criminalization of drug use in the United States and lack of resources for people with drug use disorders. “Criminalization has perpetuated stigma against people who use drugs, creating an environment where individuals have a more difficult time accessing the health services and support they need,” wrote the groups in a letter to House and Senate leaders.

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