Passing statewide harm reduction bill before end of session will save more lives in 2025
LANSING, Mich. — Today, a coalition of public health, harm reduction and syringe service program advocates urge Michigan’s House and Senate to prioritize an important overdose prevention and harm reduction bill before the end of the lame-duck session.
Recently, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced a decrease in opioid overdose deaths in Michigan, citing harm reduction as a key component of that success. Although harm reduction has been shown to decrease overdoses and connect people to life-saving services, many Michigan municipalities still criminalize harm reduction services. Depending on their location, SSP staff, participants and persons attempting to safely discard used needles can face criminal charges while conducting proven public health harm reduction measures that are legal in other areas of the state.
The time is now for Michigan’s legislature to support these lifesaving programs and services statewide.
House Bill 5178 would explicitly authorize the establishment and operation of SSPs in state law. It would also clarify that equipment provided by SSPs — such as needles and syringes — are not considered drug paraphernalia under state or local law. Individuals who are obtaining or returning syringes would also be protected from arrest, prosecution, charges or convictions with proof of membership.
“It is imperative that we approach addiction as a public health issue rather than a criminal one. The staggering loss of over 1,200 lives to overdose in Michigan in 2024 alone highlights the urgent need for change. Stigma is the only barrier that keeps addiction separate from healthcare, and it’s time to dismantle that barrier. Many municipalities continue to criminalize essential harm reduction services, such as syringe service programs, which are vital to saving lives and preventing public health outbreaks. By prioritizing these necessary public health policies, we can not only protect the health of our communities but also reduce the stigma surrounding drug user health, HIV and hepatitis C initiatives. Together, we can foster a healthier, more compassionate approach to addiction,” said Yashica Ellis, prevention team lead for Wellness Services, Inc. in Flint.
“Prevention programs are essential in reducing bloodborne disease and overdose death. A vote in favor of this legislation will serve a dual purpose: saving lives and keeping used syringes off of beaches and out of public places. A ‘yes’ vote shows the legislator is well educated and cares about their community members and Michigan’s environment,” said Pam Lynch, co-founder and director of Harm Reduction Michigan in Traverse City.
“Harm reduction programs save lives by meeting people where they are, building trust and opening the door to treatment. Supporting HB5178 is an investment in our communities—reducing the spread of infectious diseases, fostering healthier futures and ensuring everyone has a path to recovery and hope,” said Jessica Kowalski, deputy director of clinical operations for ACCESS Community Health and Research Center in Dearborn.
For more information about harm reduction and SSPs, visit www.mioverdoseprevention.com.