May News 2022

We are pissed. The writing is on the wall for the overturning of Roe v. Wade and the consequences are huge. We care about a lot of issues - why do we care about this one too? Because HIPS envisions a world where all people can use their power to live healthy and self-determined lives free from stigma, violence, criminalization or oppression. That’s our vision – but it’s getting harder to see right now.
We are also shaken by the recent spike in overdoses in the district and we’re feeling the loss. Practicing harm reduction is more important than ever. Need fentanyl test strip? Need to get some Naloxone? We got you. Email us. 
Join us. Check out our upcoming events  and ways to stay connected and involved.
Now is the time for community, healing, and action.

Love & lube,
HIPS Team
PS If you're a HIPS supporter we know you don’t sit on the sidelines. Get mad. Get involved. And GIVE.  Thanks!   

  Why Does Roe v. Wade Matter to EVERYONE? 

There has been a long slow chipping away at access to reproductive health care since Roe v. Wade was passed in 1973. Still, the fact that we are here, looking at the REAL possibility of losing this established constitutional protection is surreal.
Despite the fact that abortions are safe and most pregnancies are terminated in-office with a pill that requires no medical follow-up or supervision once administered, the narrative is often a very different one. Enough of the hypocrisy and morality arguments. The conversation we need to have is about inequalities in access to healthcare and heightened surveillance of some bodies. Inequity is immoral. We know that poverty greatly decreases access to healthcare, and lack of reproductive healthcare can lead to further inequity, making the cycle of poverty harder to break. For black, brown, and indigenous communities that have higher rates of surveillance and criminalization, ending pregnancies outside the medical system could have even steeper consequences. You know the story; this decision will hurt some folks more than others. 
The fundamental principles of harm reduction that HIPS believes in allow people to make their own decisions about their bodies and manage their own healthcare as safely as possible. HIPS believes in the right for folks to choose what they want for their own bodies - without the fear of incarceration, and the right to make judgment-free choices about how they live their lives. 
Sometimes it’s difficult to move forward while watching as our rights are eroded. But we must keep fighting. Now is the time to make a commitment to what you believe in. Consider making a monthly gift to show your commitment and support for the long haul. All of HIPS' work is committed to upholding harm reduction principles while looking out for the rights and dignity for people on the margins. 
Thank you for staying in the fight with us!

  More Amazing Community Support

  HIPStar Nkeiru Braxton

Harm Reduction Specialist     
​(They/Them/Theirs)

Nkeiru is a proud DC Native who began their journey with HIPS as a volunteer for the hotline in 2021 and now works as a Community Organizer and Outreach Specialist. Nkeiru is currently working on a Doctorate of Metaphysics while training as an herbal and plant medicine apprentice. Nkeiru enjoys community building and strives to always be the change they wish to see in the world. 
We asked Nkeiru a few questions...
What is your motto? 
My motto is laugh often, love freely, forgive more, use your imagination, and play like you did when you were a kid. To me, that’s the key to a healthy long life. 
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement would be having the faith of a mustard seed, resilience, and the willingness to keep and open heart and mind despite the negatives I’ve faced in life. I choose to create my heaven on earth experience. I boldly take up space and live my life out loud. 
When and where were you the happiest?
I would say right now! On my journey I’ve learned and healed so many pieces of me. I’ve come to appreciate all of my flaws and I now see myself as a spirit being having a human experience. After cleaning out the clutter that was in my emotional garden, I found a crop that was healthy, whole, and thriving. That crop was me! And that makes me happy!! 
What is your most treasured possession?
My most treasured possession is the knowledge that I’ve obtained over the years. On my journey, I’ve experienced loss of all kinds, but not once did any of those losses take away from the knowledge I possessed. In fact it added to its abundance, for that I am appreciative. 
Which talent would you most like to have?
I would like to have the talent of flight like a bird so that I could see this human experience from a much higher angle. For me, perception is everything. 
Thank you for sharing Nkeiru. ​

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