Harm reduction is a term that is not heard of often in the United States due to the massive stigmatization of drug addicts. When focusing on drug education, children are taught the “just say no” approach to drugs in public education programs such as DARE. Last semester, in my Intro to Sociology class, we discussed the ineffectiveness of programs such as DARE and some said that it led to an introduction and an increased curiosity in drugs rather than an aversion towards them. The “just say no” approach does not prevent drug usage and rather stigmatizes those who decide to take drugs rather than providing rehabilitation. It reminds me of abstinence-only sex education programs that take place in some regions of the United States. Just like the case with sex education, drug education policies are generally more liberal in areas in Europe than in the United States, although there are countries, such as France and Sweden, that have stricter drug policies. But, the United States, though having a relatively conservative drug policy, may end up having a slightly more liberal drug policy as debates about marijuana legalization become more prevalent. The issue of harm reduction also mixes in with the article “Emerging Strategies for Healthy Urban Governance” because drug policies are one of the most common issues that affect urban public health. What urban areas need are stable government programs that would enable the health of the people as well as to make sure that health care initiatives are affordable. This reminds me of the argument in the book Ghost Map, in which policies did not combat cholera, viewing the epidemic as based on people’s unhygienic choices. By viewing drug addiction as a stigma rather than as an issue of public health, urban areas, especially the poorer regions are paying the price.