"While it’s unclear if, and what kind of impact, the Philadelphia ruling could have in Colorado, State Representative Leslie Herod (D-Denver) said it wouldn’t be a direct impact, since the ruling was made out of state." Read full article #LeslieHerod #criminaljusticereform #SupervisedUse #harmreduction #supervisedinjectionsite #drugepidemic

"State lawmakers made strides toward curbing the opioid epidemic in Colorado, which claims at least one victim every day. In the just-ended session, they passed policies to expand treatment in rural Colorado, to stock an overdose-reversal medication in public places, and to require some jails and prisons to offer withdrawal medication to certain inmates." "Those efforts come as opioid-related deaths held steady in 2018, with heroin and fentanyl overdoses inching up, according

"Senate Bill 227" “Harm Reduction Substance Use Disorders” would explicitly authorize schools to carry naloxone, a drug that can reverse opioid overdoses. It would also allow hospitals to serve as syringe exchange sites, expand the household medication take-back program, and create mobile response teams to provide medication-assisted substance use treatment in jails." "The bill was sponsored by Pettersen and Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver. In the House, it was sponsored by Ken

"In November 2017, Councilman Brooks traveled to Vancouver with state representative Leslie Herod, whose sister had struggled with drug addiction and who was also interested in seeing InSite. By now, both had talked with Raville, and they were inspired to push for a supervised use site in Colorado." "But first they had to deal with another challenge: a severe shortage of space in existing substance abuse treatment and recovery programs. “I can’t get anyone into treatment toda

"Kilmer then said supervised injection sites can reduce the risk of fatal overdose, disease transmission and issues associated with unhygienic drug use practices but said it’s unclear “about the size of the population-level effects of SCSs.” "To implement the supervised use site pilot program in Denver, a bill will have to pass through the Colorado State Legislature in the 2019 session." "State Representative Leslie Herod (D-Denver) said she will be one of the sponsors for a

"Those injecting methamphetamine, cocaine or other drugs for which there is no counteragent are also welcome to use the facility. The Denver facility likewise would welcome users of any drug, not just opioids." "The agencies said their statement should not be "read as casting aspersions on the laudable motives of those seeking to improve our communities and free Coloradans from the scourge of drug addiction." "That is, however, how it was received by those working to set up t

"The Denver City Council is considering a pilot program to allow a legal drug injection site in the city." "Supporters of the plan say 1,000 people died of overdoses in Colorado last year. It's estimated emergency services respond to almost three overdose cases each day." "A supervised site, supporters say, would save lives and money when it comes to hospital stays and treatment." "We know people are publicly injecting outside in parks, in alleys," supporter Lisa Raville said

“I definitely think there’s an option for this to pass in the state legislature,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, a backer of the earlier measure. “I think that there’s an appetite there from both Democrats and Republicans, and I look forward to bringing the measure forward.” "There are some 11,500 people who are known to inject narcotics in Denver and surrounding counties, according to Raville. The city reported 201 overdose deaths in 2017, compared to 174 in 2016 and 129 in 2015."

Denver is a great place to live, work and play. In fact, Denver consistently ranks among the top cities in the country in a number of different categories. We have easy access to the mountains and a vibrant culture across the city. Beneath the surface, however, is a growing problem. Mental health of Denverites has suffered and the stigma surrounding the topic makes it difficult to discuss. Chances are that you have someone close to you suffering from a mental health challenge

"Herod is always looking for new ways to help others find guidance and support as they attempt to make a difference in their communities. Herod is the first openly queer, black person to serve in the Colorado General Assembly, receiving the highest number of votes of any state house candidate running a contested race in 2016. She is now the incumbent for District 8 seeking re-election. OUT FRONT sat down with her to discuss what re-election might look like, and how she feels