Around & About

 A round-up of photos . . .

ABOVE: Women and children putting up on utility poles handmade signs with cheerful slogan (looks like the kids painted them).
The girl on the ladder was using an electric drill to mount a sign reading "Don't Worry Be Happy."

ABOVE: "RE-BUILD" spray-painted on the wall of the post office near me that people burned down after police murder. 

ABOVE: Coffee shops around town have installed to-go windows, where people stand outside to order. The other day I went through a jar of change, collected all the quarters, and stopped and gave them as a gift to the shop, through the window.

I was super happy to see the city has installed a big sharps box by the park next to the thrift store where people hang out and shoot-up.
A coworker said, yeah, it's great--but do you think people will manage to use it?

Well, maybe not. There are trash cans around too, and people don't manage to get all the trash into them.

But it's still a good thing. It signals:
Hey, we acknowledge this is happening, and we in the city care about public health and about you, the person with the needle.

It's connected to the Harm Reduction approach to addiction and public health:

"Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use. Harm Reduction is also a movement for social justice built on a belief in, and respect for, the rights of people who use drugs."