Today we’d like to introduce you to Maggie Luna
Hi Maggie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
During the span of 20 years, I went in and out of the criminal justice system due to charges related to my substance use. In April 2017, I was incarcerated at the same time as the tragic death of my daughter’s father due to an overdose. After my release, I spent 18 months making full use of the resources in Houston designed for women with substance use disorder. I got involved in advocacy and connected with people who are involved in shaping public policy related to criminal justice. I joined the Texas Center for Justice and Equity to lead efforts to pass laws aimed at improving reentry outcomes for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals. Through my involvement in three Texas legislative sessions, I gained firsthand knowledge of the complexities of the law-making process and the potential for making significant changes. I openly shared my personal experience with substance use, hoping it would provide support to individuals dealing with similar challenges and their families. Through this work, I became familiar with the Texas Harm Reduction Alliance and realized the profound impact its services could have had on my own journey if they had been accessible. Today, I am proud to serve as the Executive Director of the Texas Harm Reduction Alliance, using my own experiences with substance use to create meaningful change in my community.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
After nearly 8 years of freedom following my release from prison, the path to becoming an executive director has been filled with obstacles. I’ve had to overcome challenges in securing employment and adjusting to a drug-free life. I’ve also had to persist in entering spaces that have historically marginalized individuals with a history of drug use or involvement in the criminal justice system.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am the executive director of a harm reduction organization. I am a compassionate leader and advocate dedicated to saving lives, reducing stigma, and fighting for policy changes that make harm reduction more accessible to all. We ensure that all services are nonjudgmental and designed to meet people where they are, without pressure to pursue abstinence. We specialize in responding to urgent public health crises, such as the opioid overdose epidemic, by quickly mobilizing resources and implementing life-saving interventions. My connection to the mission drives a unique approach through personal experience with substance use, which allows me to work closely with affected communities; this perspective adds credibility and empathy to my leadership. Rather than a top-down model, we work directly with the people most affected by the overdose crisis, allowing them to help shape our organization’s programs and services.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Anthony Graves first believed in me and introduced me to the legislative world. Doug Smith gave me my first significant career opportunity in advocacy, and it has been monumental in where I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.texasharmreduction.org/
- Instagram: @harmreductiontx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harmreductiontx/
- Twitter: @texashra
Image Credits
Texas Harm Reduction Alliance
