Building Connection and Capacity: Arizona Harm Reduction Coalition’s First In-Person Convening
In July, Cochise Harm Reduction (CHR) had the honor of hosting the Arizona Harm Reduction Coalition’s very first in-person convening in Bisbee — a milestone gathering funded by NASTAD and made possible through invaluable partnerships with the Southwest Recovery Alliance (SWRA) and the Church of Safe Injection Tucson (COSIT).
This weekend-long event was intentionally designed by and for peer-led harm reduction groups and individual harm reductionists across Arizona. Over 20 passionate harm reductionists came together to share space, learn, and deepen their connections. Staying together at a local hotel in Old Bisbee, the weekend kicked off on Friday evening with dinner and drinks at Cafe Roka, fostering early camaraderie and community.
Saturday’s convening was a full day shaped directly by the needs and ideas of coalition members. The Florida Harm Reduction Collective flew in to lead an engaging coalition-building workshop—exploring topics such as coalition structure, power-sharing, conflict navigation, and grounding our work firmly in shared values.
An “Ask the Funders” panel featured representatives from AIDS United, Comer Foundation, the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), and NASTAD. They shared practical advice on finding the right funding fit, applying for diverse funding streams, and staying mission-aligned amid complex political environments, allowing coalition members to ask questions directly.
CHR also unveiled a new harm reduction-specific funding resource to assist Arizona organizations in identifying funding opportunities and strengthening grant applications. Later, Heather from SWRA facilitated a tailored wound care training designed specifically for harm reductionists working in the field.
To close the day, Kara from COSIT led a reflective session focused on what was learned and envisioning the future. The convening ended with a casual BBQ at CHR Executive Director Lu’s home—a time to rest, connect, and recharge after an inspiring and full day.
Beyond the rich sessions and activities, the most powerful outcome was connection. Organizations historically working in isolation built deeper trust, exchanged knowledge, openly shared resources, and found new ways to support one another’s critical harm reduction work.
We extend heartfelt gratitude to every organization in the Arizona Harm Reduction Coalition and to everyone who made this convening possible: NASTAD, SWRA, COSIT, Vitalyst, AIDS United, ADHS, the Florida Harm Reduction Collective, ALMA, Shot In The Dark Phoenix, RIOT, The Urban Front, SPW, and of course, the passionate community members who joined us.
This convening marks a significant step forward in building the collective capacity of Arizona’s harm reduction movement. Together, we are stronger—empowering one another and creating a future where harm reduction services and peer support continue to grow and thrive.