Addressing the overdose crisis in North America with bold action

It is imperative that the perspectives of people who use drugs are equitably and meaningfully integrated into policy-making discussions, particularly when concerns are voiced about existing interventions. Given the failures of highly medicalized and criminalizing approaches, ensuring the expertise of people who use drugs is meaningfully included is necessary to ensure the healthcare system and response to the overdose crisis is effectively meeting their needs. It will also require openness to bold action and innovative responses like safer supply and decriminalization, rather than relying on incremental approaches, to effectively change the course of this crisis.