Last week I spoke at the Mississippi Center for Re-Entry’s conference. The topic came up of whether or not criminal justice reform would continue to be on legislative agendas across the country. One attendee said lawmakers might be getting tired of addressing it year after year. Another one followed with, “If they’re tired of talking about it, imagine how the families feel.”

Certainly it’s not possible or good for public safety to shield every family from incarceration. But if we have laws resulting in unnecessary – and unhelpful – incarceration, then changing those laws is crucial…even if it takes longer than we’d like.

But changing laws isn’t the only way to effect change. Two weeks ago the End It For Good team went to Nashville for the National Association of Drug Court Professionals conference.

Our own Angela Mallette was part of a main stage panel on how drug courts can operate in ways that reduce harm rather than increase it. That doesn’t require changed laws, just changed perspectives that result in better practices. What an honor for Angela’s expertise to be recognized on the national stage at a conference with 8,000 attendees! (pictures below)

Changing policies can reduce harm. Changing practices can reduce harm. But that may feel removed from your sphere of influence. What can you do to advance health-centered approaches to drugs and be a voice for people impacted by punitive drug laws?

We’ll be in Tupelo, MS, in just 8 days, and our 50th podcast episode just premiered. Spread the word! Or maybe you know somewhere we should come and speak, either in-person or virtually? Hit reply and let me know. Together we can invite even more people on the journey to consider health-centered approaches to drugs.