Harm reduction saves lives now and in the future
I am an emergency physician. I work daily to address emergencies and acute care needs for patients — some life-threatening, all deeply concerning.
The fundamental purpose of my job is to do everything I can to save a life in the immediate, while also trying to limit risks and increase access to ongoing services for patients once they leave my care. I do this knowing that my control and impact may not extend beyond the time and space of the Emergency Department.
In recent court proceedings, U.S. Attorney William McSwain questioned the purpose of saving a life today if that life could be at risk again tomorrow. His question addressed specific harm reduction methods related to overdose prevention sites, but essentially challenged a basic premise of emergency care and our mission within the medical system — every life is equally worth saving.
