A law being proposed by Councilman Albus Brooks would legalize supervised injection centers, where people addicted to opioids could use the drugs en route to recovery — or at least in a safer environment that deters fatal overdoses and the spread of chronic diseases like hepatitis C and HIV. It’s a policy created in response to an epidemic of heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine and other drugs that killed 201 people in Denver in 2017 and 64,000 across the country in 2016. A big

“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