The harm reduction conference educates the public about substance abuse

BINGHAMTON, NY (WIVT/WBGH) – Binghamton welcomed hundreds of health experts for a two-day conference focused on drug addiction and harm reduction.

The New York State Harm Reduction Association is hosting its annual conference at the Holiday Inn.

The conference includes powerful trainings, presentations and networking opportunities with some of the state’s leading harm reduction researchers.

Locally, Truth Pharm and the Southern Tier AIDS program presented at the conference.

The treasurer of the state’s harm reduction association, John Barry, says the number of annual overdose deaths is trending downward.

“Giving people naloxone to reduce overdoses, giving people test strips so they know what kind of drugs they’re using. I think to some people, sometimes, it seems like a really crazy idea, but it’s done from a place of love and concern. Because the people who are dying of overdoses are somebody’s father, somebody’s brother or sister,” Barry said.

The conference is also a time to honor families who have been affected by addiction or have lost someone to substance use.

Including panel discussions, with former drug users to discuss barriers to treatment systems.

You can join the conference virtually by paying $25 to watch the live stream.

For more information, visit NYSHRA.org.

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