Port: Harm reduction policies work for addicts and their communities

Communities across North Dakota are wrestling with a hard truth: decades of crackdowns and billions in federal spending haven’t stopped the flow of drugs or the harms tied to addiction. As debate grows over harm-reduction programs, the argument centers on what actually helps people stay alive long enough to seek recovery. Supporters say tools like clean-supply exchanges and naloxone aren’t about enabling drug use—they’re about preventing preventable deaths, reducing community burdens, and creating a pathway to trust and treatment. For the full thoughtful commentary on why its time for a new approach, read Mr. Port’s latest.