In honor of Black History Month, we’re featuring some of the Black leaders of harm reduction here at Prevention Point Philadelphia (PPP). Larry Anderson is Director of Prevention Services at PPP, supervising the Overdose Prevention Program and the Syringe Service Program (SSP).
Larry works in harm reduction because he cares deeply about the innate dignity of every individual.
“Harm reduction has a special place in my heart,” he says. “It hurts me to see other people hurting. I want to play a part in making sure that people get through to the next day. If someone eventually wants to get into recovery, they should have that chance. We have to keep people alive.”
His staff can’t speak highly enough about Larry as a leader. Some of the adjectives they use to describe him include: energetic, inspiring, supportive, open-minded, intelligent, and empathetic.
“I lead by example. I’m an active leader—I won’t ask anyone to do anything that I wouldn’t actively do,” Larry explains. “I try to listen and be innovative. I like to take a team and find a specific skill that they have and help them to blossom in that skill, and make sure that skill enhances the program.”
Larry emphasizes that the SSP not only distributes sterile syringes to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, but collects and properly disposes of used ones as well. His team is committed to keeping the neighborhood safer and cleaner.
Crucially, Larry also ensures that the SSP serves as a pathway to PPP’s many other services.
“Part of what SSP does is navigate people to medical attention, testing, food, housing, and more. We are the linchpin, we are the first line. We’re the people that meet folks right where they’re at to get them where they want to be.”
Thank you, Larry, for everything you do for the community, your colleagues, and the people we serve.