Netherlands drug policy expert to speak on public health and safety impact of harm reduction, decriminalization Sept. 16

Janhuib Blans, public health and drug policy expert and director of the Bureau of Research, Training and Consultancy in the Netherlands, will present “Dutch Drug Policy: Examining the Public Health and Safety Impact of Harm Reduction and Decriminalization” on Thursday, Sept. 16. Students, faculty and staff are welcome to attend the presentation that will take place in the Sims Hall Atrium (third floor), from 10 a.m.-noon. Blans is being brought to the University by the College of Human Ecology’s Research Center and the Department of Health and Wellness.

Blans will present the latest research on public health measures related to the Dutch drug policies of harm reduction and soft-drug decriminalization. Those attending will engage in discussions comparing the health and safety measures of current United States, Dutch and European drug policies.

With areas of expertise that include alcohol and other drugs, sexual heath, HIV/AIDS prevention and public health in the political arena, Blans’ professional experiences also include service as the director of prevention and international projects at the Jellinek Foundation. Previously, he was a professor in the Department of Family Studies and Prevention and director of the Department of Pedagogy and Special Education at the University of Amsterdam.

Parking for a nominal fee is available at the Booth and Irving garages on the SU campus. No registration is required. For more information, contact the College of Human Ecology’s Department of Health and Wellness at (315) 443-2141 or dkbergen@syr.edu.