This was a complex story to tell. And I appreciate @richschapiro overall thoughtfulness, and for including my quotes of caution around the lessons we take from Ms. Rivera’s journey through the justice system. A few extra thoughts. #Thread nydailynews.com/new-york/ny-me…
In early 2017, reporting by NYDN made public the location of a gathering space for PWID known as “The Hole” in South BX. In a reflexive & short-sighted response, NYC bulldozed site w/o replacing it with safer alternative such as a SIF/SCS for people not ready/able to stop using.
This razing destabilized a community of PWID — a community that cared for one another, despite struggles — and many were pushed into shadows. According to friends close to story, many died as result of using in more isolated spaces like abandoned buildings even further from care.
A more humane health response to public injection would have been to open long-overdue safe injection facilities for PWID not ready to engage more traditional healthcare services. SIFs provide a critical space for compassionate engagement & connection to lifesaving services.
Fast forward: Ms. Rivera then arrested & spent 8 months in jail for stealing shampoo. A sad reminder that our war on drugs — and our war on people who use drugs — never really softened. Ms. Rivera shared that she was scared, isolated & out of control. She needed help. Got jail.
The least we can do for incarcerated people is treat them like human beings, honor their dignity & provide them w/ life-saving meds like methadone & bupe. And we must remember: jail is toxic place that confers immeasurable harm. We must find community solutions. Jail not answer.
