Where Denver Falls in the Harm Reduction Conversation

When it comes to numbers, the story of drug-related overdose deaths in America is simple. They increased slowly and steadily through the early Trump years until a big jump during the pandemic. But that’s where Colorado is diverging. The Denver Post recently reported on preliminary numbers from the CDPHE that show overdose deaths increasing here in 2025, when most of the rest of the country was declining. Harm Reduction Action Center’s Executive Director, Lisa Raville, joins host Bree Davies to talk about why. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think about the harm reduction approach Raville espouses? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Learn more about the sponsors of this June 8th episode: Denver Bike Fest Energy Outreach Colorado Vail Wine Classic Regional Air Quality Council Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise