Volunteers Needed for Illicit Drug Harm Reduction & Decriminalization Work Group

May 19, 2022

MMA members interested in helping to develop MMA policy to mitigate the health impacts of illicit drug use, drug-related incarceration, and drug-related criminal records are invited to indicate their interest via this form now through 11:59PM on May 22.

To learn more about these topics and their impact on the health of Minnesotans, you can review this presentation (note that it may take a few moments to load). 

On May 2, the MMA Policy Council agreed to create a work group to research, discuss, and develop MMA policy recommendations for Policy Council consideration on issues associated with illicit drug use, particularly with respect to policies around harm reduction and decriminalization. Once the work group finalizes its recommendations, they will go to the Policy Council for further discussion, potential amendments, and endorsement. If the Policy Council endorses the recommendations, they will go to the MMA Board of Trustees for final approval.  

The work group is expected to meet for monthly two-hour evening meetings, starting in June, until the recommendations are completed. Completion of the interest form does not guarantee a voting seat on the work group. Should many members express interest, the chair of the work group will select a limited number of members who indicated interest. Selection criteria will be tied to ensuring diversity in the work group (e.g., specialty, region, section, etc.).  

If you have any questions about the work group, please contact Adrian Uphoff, health policy analyst.