Bologna sets up joint steering committee on drug harm reduction

The city of Bologna, its local health authority (Ausl), and the social services agency (Asp) have established a joint steering committee on harm and risk reduction for drug addiction, intended to serve as a citywide observatory on substance use, data collection, and intervention effectiveness. The agreement includes monitoring the experimental implementation of operational guidelines for ten months starting September 2026. Harm reduction actions encompass distributing protective materials like sterile syringes and overdose prevention kits, educational programs on safer use, immediate psychological support, and promoting safe living conditions. The syringe distribution drew criticism from EU parliamentarian Stefano Cavedagna (FdI), who called it a folly by the Lepore administration. Palazzo D’Accursio responded that Ausl has conducted similar interventions since 1994, calling it a well-established global practice.