City Cast Denver logo
June 8, 2026

Where Denver Falls in the Harm Reduction Conversation

City Cast Denver

Where Denver Falls in the Harm Reduction Conversation

00:00:00
View all City Cast Denver episodes

When it comes to numbers, the story of drug-related overdose deaths in America is simple. They increased slowly and steadily through the early Trump years until a big jump during the pandemic. But that’s where Colorado is diverging. The Denver Post recently reported on preliminary numbers from the CDPHE that show overdose deaths increasing here in 2025, when most of the rest of the country was declining. Harm Reduction Action Center’s Executive Director, Lisa Raville, joins host Bree Davies to talk about why.

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm.

Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm

What do you think about the harm reduction approach Raville espouses? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬

Learn more about the sponsors of this June 8th episode:

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Hey Denver

Stay connected to City Cast Denver and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Latest Episodes

See all
September 16

Young Coloradans Really Dislike AI and More Takeaways From a New Poll

A new poll out this week says Coloradans have strong feelings about AI and data centers, offering an interesting look at how age, politic...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
September 15

Downtown's Ups and Downs, Liquor License Losers, and Mesa Verde's Massive Repatriation

Thirty-six years after the passage of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, Mesa Verde National Park is returning m...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
September 14

Will Denverites Move Downtown For This Developer's Utopian Dream?

While office vacancies remain high downtown, one developer thinks this excess of commercial real estate could be better used as housing....

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
September 13

‘Your City Could Be Better’: How Las Vegas Is Handling Record-Breaking Heat — Presented By City Cast Denver

It may not feel like it right now, but extreme heat is coming for Denver, and Las Vegas might have the answers you need. An already sizzl...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
September 11

Anti-Trans Hysteria Coming to Your Ballots, Victor Marx's AI Fail, and No Comedy Fest This Year

Ballots will be in the mail in less than a month, and there are a lot of initiatives for voters to consider – including Proposition 134,...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
September 10

Who's Ready for Another Mayor's Race? Plus, a DPS Phone Ban Mega-Mailbag

Mayor Mike Johnston officially rolled out his campaign for reelection earlier this week with a big party at Town Hall Collaborative and a...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
September 9

10 Years in Prison for Manipulating More Than a Thousand DNA Investigations

After pleading guilty to four felonies in June, a Jefferson County judge sentenced former Colorado Bureau of Investigation scientist Yvon...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
September 8

The Aurora Report: New Data Center Regulations, a Massive 'Teen Takeover,' and City Council Hijinx

What’s up in Aurora lately? Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman has been taking a new and low-key approach to homelessness; data center regulations...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
September 6

‘Your City Could Be Better’: How Nashville Is Beating Flock — Presented By City Cast Denver

Do you know what kind of surveillance technology is being used in Denver? In Nashville, the city government has blocked numerous measures...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
September 4

De-Gooping Sloan's Lake, Going Viral in Denver, and Water Narcs: Data Center Edition

Denver is finally getting serious about saving Sloan’s Lake, with Mayor Johnston announcing Wednesday a new $50 million proposal to dredg...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art