Sue Purchase is a trailblazer and a leader in harm reduction, bringing 30 years of experience to the table. She’s been pushing forward evidence-based public health strategies that help reduce overdoses, stop the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C, and make sure everyone who uses drugs has access to care that is fair and just. She started Women with a Point/Access Works in 1996, which was Minnesota’s first all-encompassing harm reduction and syringe services program.

Sue has been a big part of shaping and growing harm reduction efforts in several US states, including Washington, Pennsylvania, Colorado, North Carolina, and Minnesota. She’s got a knack for planning, helping organizations grow, building up their skills, and getting out there to connect with communities. As someone who has always been passionate about health equity and treating everyone with dignity, Sue has dedicated her career to making sure women, Indigenous people, people of color, and other groups that are often left behind have access to the lifesaving harm reduction services they need and the respect they deserve

Since starting Harm Reduction Sisters in 2018, Sue has bravely turned a bold idea into an effective and successful harm reduction organization, setting the standard for new and future programs, policies and modalities. What started as a small group trying to fill the gaps in services for people who use drugs has grown into a trusted resource that offers harm reduction supplies, HIV services, peer support, overdose prevention, outreach, education, and advocacy all over northern Minnesota. Her work will undoubtedly impact and influence future movement and progress for generations to come.

Sue is planning her retirement for April 2027