Bridging RCOs and harm reduction to advance whole-human care
January 12, 2026
On January 12, 2026, MARCO partnered with Anything Helps and the Steve Rummler HOPE Network to host a historic, first-of-its-kind RCO Community Recovery Summit. This sold-out community event brought together Recovery Community Organizations, harm reduction leaders, advocates, and community partners from across Minnesota for a full day of learning, connection, and collaboration.
National harm reduction expert Joy Rucker kicked off the day as our keynote speaker. For more than 30 years, Joy has been a powerful advocate for people who use drugs—building Housing First programs, advancing overdose prevention efforts, training providers nationwide, and co-founding the National Black Harm Reduction Network. Her wisdom, experience, and unapologetic commitment to saving lives left a lasting impact on everyone in the room.
More than 125 community members, peer recovery support specialists, and recovery leaders attended, marking a meaningful step forward in bridging recovery and harm reduction to advance whole-human, community-driven care across Minnesota.
From Devastation to Dignity: Harm Reduction Now
The crack era devastated Black and Brown neighborhoods through criminalization, not care. Harm reduction centers dignity and survival — meeting our people with support instead of judgment. Healing means investing back into the communities that were targeted: resources, safety, and power.
