Lisa Daugaard Says Harm Reduction Has Been Oversimplified

Lisa Daugaard is questioning how harm reduction and Housing First policies are being implemented, arguing that some practices have become disconnected from their original objectives. During a discussion about addiction, homelessness and public policy, Daugaard said harm reduction has been oversimplified by some practitioners. She pointed to the historical use of clean drug-use supplies to reduce the transmission of infectious diseases, arguing that methods originally designed to achieve specific public health outcomes should not become ends in themselves. Daugaard also called for changes to Housing First and low-barrier housing practices, saying successful implementation matters. However, she cautioned that requiring people to enter addiction treatment as a condition of housing could leave more people living on the streets. Her comments highlight the debate over harm reduction, addiction treatment, homelessness policy and the effectiveness of Housing First programs. Subscribe for more coverage of Seattle and Washington state news, homelessness, drug policy, addiction treatment and government accountability.