The Importance of Harm Reduction: A Conversation with Corri Mercy

Corri, a harm reduction advocate, shares her journey of personal recovery from substance use and self-destructive behaviors. She discusses her role as the manager of drug user health at Nasdat, a nonprofit organization focusing on harm reduction. Corri explains that Nasdat operates a Technical Assistance Center for Harm Reduction, providing resources and training to support harm reduction practices for various organizations and individuals. She introduces harm reduction strategies like syringe exchange programs and safe consumption sites. Syringe exchange programs allow individuals to safely dispose of used syringes and obtain sterile ones, reducing the spread of infectious diseases and encouraging treatment. Safe consumption sites provide supervised spaces for substance use, with medical professionals present to prevent overdoses and offer resources. Phil inquires about the arguments against safe consumption sites, to which Corri emphasizes the importance of compassion and support over shame and stigma. She believes that meeting individuals where they are and providing a nonjudgmental environment can make a significant positive impact. Corri opens up about her personal recovery journey, her struggles with opioid use, and other self-destructive behaviors. She found recovery through therapy, community support, and engaging in creative activities such as yoga, aerial arts, and art journaling. Corri is open about occasional recreational substance use like marijuana and wine, which she views within a harm reduction context. She discusses her upcoming presentation at the Multiple Pathways to Recovery conference in August, where she plans to delve into harm reduction principles and how they can be incorporated into different practices. Throughout the conversation, Corri emphasizes the importance of harm reduction as a way to provide support, compassion, and resources to individuals struggling with substance use and promote their overall well-being.