Mike Thornton’s second interview with Lu Funk, director of Cochise Harm Reduction, offers a comprehensive look at the organization’s approach to addressing drug-related issues in their community. Funk explains that harm reduction focuses on mitigating risks associated with drug use rather than enforcing abstinence, emphasizing the need to address underlying social and economic factors that contribute to substance abuse.
Throughout the conversation, Funk highlights the importance of destigmatizing drug use, providing essential services like needle exchange and healthcare, and involving individuals with lived experience in developing effective solutions. The interview also touches on the unique challenges faced by rural harm reduction organizations and the recent legislative changes that have allowed Cochise Harm Reduction to expand its services and operate more openly.