Safer From Harm is a center-left project promoting policies that encourage “harm reduction” rather than an abstinence approach to illicit drug policy. Safe from Harm promotes research and programs throughout the United States that emphasize harm reduction policies for a variety of uses “from opioids to sexual health to tobacco to cannabis, psychedelics and beyond.” ^{1 2 3}

The group is a program of the center-right R Street Institute and is supported by both left and right-leaning organizations including the Consumer Choice Center, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the Reason Foundation, and the Center for Black Equity. ^{1 2 3}

Background

Safer From Harm is a coalition operated by the center-right R Street Institute, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank that spun off from the Heartland Institute in 2012. The R Street Institute differs from other center-right policy organizations in the United States due to its positions on climate, labor, and other issues while maintaining a free market and limited government-centric positions on other topics. Also, unlike other right-of-center think tanks, R Street is funded by left-of-center foundations including the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, the Energy Foundation, and the Foundation to Promote Open Society. ^{4 5}

The R Street Institute launched the Safer From Harm coalition’s website in 2021, with its first post being a piece criticizing the New York Post’s coverage of opioids as “fear-mongering tabloid fodder” when the publication criticized the New York State Legislature’s passage of a law that “decriminalizes residual amounts of controlled substances found in drug paraphernalia and regulates the sale of hypodermic needles.” Safer From Harm defended the law as a “common sense” and “evidence-based” measure. ⁶

In February 2022, the group published an interview with the National Harm Reduction Coalition’s Anthony Salandy titled “Why the Harm Reduction Movement Needs Diversity” in which Salandy praised groups like the Black Panthers and Young Lords for their community service programs in the 1960s and 70s and stated that “Institutional racism continued to severely hinder the vitality of these [Black and Brown] communities.” ⁷

Activity

Research published by Safer From Harm includes publications promoting harm reduction policies in rural communities such as drug checking, the use of electronic cigarettes and tobacco alternatives, and Naloxone (Narcan) distribution. ⁸

The group’s website states that “The Safer From Harm coalition does not take policy positions or speak on behalf of any individual member”; however, the group’s coalition manager has testified before state legislatures in support of legislation including a 2024 bill in Minnesota that would allow for clinics to prescribe take home opioid treatment medications, such as methadone. ³

Leadership

Jessica Shortall is the director of the Safer Harm Coalition for the R Street Institute. She was previously the vice president of corporate engagement at Freedom for All Americans, managing director at Texas Competes, and social impact director at TOMS shoes. ²

1. “About.” Safer From Harm. Accessed October 26, 2024. https://www.saferfromharm.org/about
2. “Jessica Shortall.” R Street Institute. Accessed October 26, 2024. https://www.rstreet.org/people/jessica-shortall/
3. “Testimony in SUPPORT of HF 4014.” R Street Institute. March 13, 2024. Accessed October 26, 2024. https://www.house.mn.gov/comm/docs/nXkJCj2qREGwLtnNJrGQyw.pdf
4. Data compiled by FoundationSearch.com subscription service, a project of Metasoft Systems, Inc., from forms filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Queries conducted November 15, 2019.
5. Lehmann, Evan. “Heartland’s billboard signaled, to some, a time to leave.” Energy & Environment News. May 14, 2012. Accessed October 25, 2024. https://www.eenews.net/stories/1059964325
6. McKenna, Stacey. “New York Post opioid coverage is divisive, fear-mongering tabloid fodder.” Safer From Harm. October 19, 2021. https://www.saferfromharm.org/blog/blog-post-one-kxmwm
7. “Harm Reduction Needs Diversity.” Safer From Harm. Accessed October 26, 2024. https://www.saferfromharm.org/blog/harm-reduction-needs-diversity
8. “Research.” Safer From Harm. Accessed October 26, 2024. https://www.saferfromharm.org/research