March 2026 Newsletter

On March 12th, 2026 the Narcare Las Vegas chapter hosted another free Narcan training event. The goal of this event was to educate others on how to recognize and respond to an opioid event. All participants reviewed what opioids are, signs of an overdose, and what steps are necessary to save a life. Each member was also given a narcan, a CPR mask, and a first aid kit. The Narcare Las Vegas chapter also hosted an overdose assembly kit event where participants learned how to respond effectively to an overdose. After the training, members helped assemble kits that can easily help anyone respond to an overdose. With the right training and the necessary tools, anyone can recognize and effectively treat an overdose. Both events were extremely successful and had an increased turnout.

Insite, located in Vancouver, Canada, is widely recognized as North America’s first supervised drug consumption site. It opened in 2003 in response to a public health crisis marked by rising overdose deaths and the spread of infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C. Established as part of a broader harm reduction strategy, Insite is a facility where individuals can use drugs they already have in a clean, supervised setting with healthcare staff present to prevent overdoses and provide immediate assistance if needed. In addition to overdose prevention, the site offers access to clean supplies, basic medical care, and referrals to addiction treatment and social services.

Since its opening, Insite has been the subject of extensive research and policy discussion. Studies have shown that the site has contributed to reductions in overdose deaths, decreased public drug use, and increased access to healthcare and treatment services. Despite initial adversity and legal challenges, it has become a key example in conversations about harm reduction and has influenced the development of similar programs in other areas.

Recently, several NARCARE members had the opportunity to meet with clinical leadership at Insite in Vancouver, North America’s first supervised drug consumption site. This experience offered valuable insight into the real-world impact of harm reduction strategies. One of the main lessons learned was the importance of meeting individuals where they are and treating substance use as a health issue rather than something to be judged. The team emphasized how supervised consumption sites not only reduce overdose deaths but also improve community safety by decreasing public drug use and connecting individuals to care and support services.

This past month, NARCARE expanded its reach by opening two new chapters in Arizona and Florida. This growth allows us to further our mission of raising awareness about substance use and educating communities on the importance of harm reduction.

In March 2026, Washington State lawmakers passed a proposal known as the “millionaires tax,” which would apply a 9.9% tax on income over $1 million to fund public programs such as childcare, education, and financial support for families. While this policy is not directly related to substance use, it emphasizes an important connection between economic stability and public health. Research shows that financial stress and lack of resource access can increase the risk of substance abuse, while stronger social support systems can decrease the number of misuses. As a result, policies like this may play an indirect but impactful role in addressing the root causes of addiction and creating healthier communities.

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