Editor:

The League of Women Voters of Humboldt County has a "Public Health Services" position which states that: Health care should be obtainable by all; the rights and dignity of the individual should be safeguarded at all times; social services are an important part of patient care.

An important part of healthcare is treatment for addiction. Recently, President Trump has declared the opioid addiction crisis a public health emergency. One important tool for fighting this epidemic is harm reduction ("Needles, Needles, Needles," Oct. 19).

Harm reduction is a set of practical, evidence-based strategies and interventions that seeks to reduce the harms associated with drug use to both the person using drugs and their community. Harm reduction helps prevent the spread of disease through the exchange of syringes, and incorporates public health, public safety and social justice. Most importantly, harm reduction treats each person with dignity and respect while helping them on the uncertain path to recovery. 

The League of Women Voters of Humboldt County, of which I currently serve as president, strongly supports harm reduction programs in Humboldt County.

Rollin Richmond, Bayside