As B.C.'s toxic drug crisis continues, so does the debate on how to reduce harm and save lives. For Nicole Luongo, a systems change coordinator with the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition (CDPC), that has meant supporting progressive drug policy approaches, despite criticism, while advocating for those stigmatized and marginalized for using drugs. For her ongoing work, Luongo is being recognized with the 2023 Nora and Ted Sterling Prize in Support of Controversy. Luongo, who has a background in medical sociology and previously taught at colleges in Alberta and the Lower Mainland, has spent a decade working in solidarity with those most impacted by the intersections of drug prohibition, housing-deprivation, and disability (in)justice, including as a member of the Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users (VANDU).
https://www.miragenews.com/drug-user-advocate-wins-sfus-sterling-1069984/#miragenews