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Researcher Advocates Harm Reduction Amid Controversial Drug Policies

11/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Gillian Kolla, a Canadian public-health researcher, advocates harm-reduction policies that view drug dealers as essential to providing "mutual aid."
Her research focused on Toronto's illegal harm-reduction satellite sites that distributed clean paraphernalia and paid addicts for services.
Backlash followed incidents of drug trafficking and a murder tied to the South Riverdale Community Health Centre, and critics say the approach worsened addiction and urge caution in the United States.

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Story summary

Gillian Kolla, a Canadian public-health researcher, advocates harm-reduction policies that view drug dealers as essential to providing "mutual aid."
Her research focused on Toronto's illegal harm-reduction satellite sites that distributed clean paraphernalia and paid addicts for services.
Backlash followed incidents of drug trafficking and a murder tied to the South Riverdale Community Health Centre, and critics say the approach worsened addiction and urge caution in the United States.