Lu was introduced to ethos of harm reduction through personal navigation of the criminal (in)justice system, a crash course education in self-rescuing their partner from a potential deadly overdose with naloxone, and being raised loving people who used drugs.
Lu was introduced to the world of Harm Reduction after a drug charge and required community restitution hours. Lu volunteered with Bisbee Harm Reduction: handing out naloxone and sterile syringes during a period when needle exchanges operated in the “grey area” of legality in Arizona. Through this involvement, Lu recognized the transformative potential of a comprehensive harm reduction program in mitigating harm and inequity within their community.
After the preventable death of a close friend and colleague in the desert, Lu started the mobile harm reduction program that would come to be known as Cochise Harm Reduction today. This program was born out of a pressing need to “meet people where they’re at” and pay regular visits and consistent assistance to the most vulnerable members of their community.
Lu’s driving force lies in dismantling unjust systems of harm and dominance, while fostering community-oriented networks of care and solidarity. Their love for people who use drugs fuels their dedication to advocacy, a role they hold with deep honor and commitment in this community.