The decline in drug-related fatalities in New Jersey over the past three years reflects progress in harm reduction, yet racial disparities remain stark. Black and Hispanic communities continue to face disproportionate rates of drug-related deaths—51.4 and 38.9 per 100,000, respectively—compared to white residents. The Black Lives Matter Paterson Harm Reduction Center and Mobile Unit provides resources, care, and support to neglected populations through culturally responsive, Black-centered mobile outreach.

Harm reduction is not enabling. It meets marginalized people where they are, gives those who use substances a touch point with the healthcare system, reduces costs (from HIV, Hep C, OD), and leads to referrals to treatment when they are ready. The BLM Harm Reduction Center conducted pre-intervention surveys to measure the baseline access, usage, and viewpoints of individuals new to or unaware of the resources. A follow-up data collection survey was conducted after 6 months of the pre-survey to evaluate any changes in data and the program’s effectiveness by June 2025.

This approach demonstrates the critical role of direct and health justice-driven mobile harm reduction as both a community message and method to health equity. By focusing on culturally responsive, people-focused, and dignifying care, this work reaches broader implications for serving disadvantaged communities in public health, more specifically, the intersectionality between HIV/STI prevention, drug user health, and recovery care.