welcome

Michigan Drug Users Health Alliance (MIDUHA) is a mission-driven alliance committed to action guided by our shared philosophies and practices focused on human rights and health-centered solutions that promote autonomy, dignity, health equity and racial justice with people who use drugs and engage in sex work.

Mission

At MDUHA, our mission is to challenge the harmful narratives surrounding drug use and combat the social, economic, and health disparities faced by individuals who use drugs. We advocate for liberatory harm reduction strategies, sex worker rights, and human rights as essential components in fostering community well-being, empowerment, and access to care.

Vision

We envision a Michigan where individuals who use drugs are treated with respect, compassion, and dignity. Our vision is of a society that upholds the human rights of all individuals, provides equitable access to health services, and rejects punitive approaches in favor of evidence-based and compassionate solutions.

Principles

We firmly believe in the principles of harm reduction, recognizing that people who use drugs have the right to health and dignity. We advocate for policies and practices that prioritize public health and safety, aiming to minimize the adverse consequences of drug use without judgment or punishment.

We center the experiences, needs, and aspirations of communities impacted by drug use in our advocacy and decision-making. Empowering communities to lead in shaping solutions is at the heart of our work. The inherently racist war on drugs has had a disproportionate impact on those already experiencing the most harm in our society.

We seek to center the voice of those most impacted by our oppressive drug policies, and those with the most to gain from movement along the continuum. Current circumstances demand we center our focus on communities of people who use drugs, who are Black, Indigenous, Latinx, People of Color (however it is self defined collectively), undocumented, LGBTQIA+, low-income, individuals involved in the sex trade, individuals with co-occurring trauma, individuals with differing abilities and disabilities, and individuals who identify with many of these.

Approach

Inclusion

Equity is the process of ensuring that practices and programs are impartial, fair, and provide equal possible outcomes for every individual. We demand equitable access to all services aimed at the promotion of public health and opportunities to improve the quality of life of people who use drugs.

Human Rights

We are committed to upholding the human rights of people who use drugs, including their right to health, privacy, and non-discrimination. Our efforts align with broader social justice movements to address systemic inequalities and promote equitable access to resources and opportunities.

Intersectionality

We recognize that the issues related to drug use intersect with various social justice concerns, including race, gender, class, and sexuality. Our advocacy is grounded in an intersectional approach, addressing the complex realities faced by individuals at the margins of society.

Collaboration & Solidarity

We seek to place ourselves beside, and learn from other efforts towards social justice and creating a safer, more compassionate, and more just world. We are all stronger when we stand beside each other, and we have much to learn from those who came before us and from those working alongside us.

Facts Matter

Our work is grounded in research and evidence-based practices. We advocate for policies supported by data and knowledge, seeking solutions that are both practical and effective.

Sex Worker Rights

We advocate for the full recognition of sex work as work and the rights of sex workers to be treated with respect and dignity. Our alliance opposes stigmatization, discrimination, and violence against sex workers and supports their autonomy and empowerment.

Compassion & Empathy

We approach our advocacy with compassion and empathy, recognizing that drug use can be a complex and personal issue. We strive to reduce stigma and foster an environment where individuals feel safe seeking support and care, however they define that.

End the "War on Drugs"

Our alliance is committed to dismantling the unjust and harmful war on people who use drugs. We advocate for policies that prioritize public health, compassion, and evidence-based strategies over punitive measures.