Built by and for harm reductionists

Smoke Works started at a needle exchange in Boston, run by outreach workers who couldn't find a reliable source of pipes for the people they served. We had to figure it out for ourselves and now we're making it available to everyone else.

Today our team supplies harm reduction programs across the United States, ships free pipes to programs that can't pay, and still runs like the scrappy mutual aid project we were on day one.

The work is personal. It always has been.

The people behind the pipes

Every member of the Smoke Works team has skin in this game. We come to this work through lived and living experience with drug use, harm reduction, public health, and advocacy.

Jim

Founding Director

Jim has led national efforts to expand the impact of harm reduction beyond just syringe service, specifically for the inclusion of people who use stimulants. Drawing both on lived and professional experience, he brings firsthand insight to leadership and advocacy, building on the success of radical pioneers in HIV and overdose prevention.

jim@smokeworks.org

Alexis

Assistant Director

As assistant director of Smoke Works, I manage warehouse workflow, handle admin tasks, spontaneously rearrange the work spaces, and do what I can to make Smoke Works better every day. I came here after a random volunteer day in 2023 and loved the work so much I got a job. After losing family and friends to substance use, helping PWUD became my top priority (and stayed that way through degrees in sociology, criminal justice, and forensic psychology). Outside of work, you'll find me traveling with my husband or at home with my four cats and two chinchillas.

alexis@smokeworks.org

Teena

Outreach Coordinator

I do customer outreach and manage the Material Aid Program (MAP) at Smoke Works. I came here after six years of direct service at needle exchanges across MA, and I love that I get to stay connected to harm reductionists across the country and support their work on the ground. When I'm not at the warehouse, you'll probably find me reading a fantasy book somewhere cozy, hanging with my dog and herd of cats, or slinging naloxone and supplies at a show. I also enjoy making art and acquiring stray animals.

teena@smokeworks.org

David

I love being able to help out a part of the community that not many people want to, and seeing the benefits it has for everyone.

Meg

I work in the Smoke Works warehouse after years of outreach and wanting to shift my focus more specifically to PWUD. I really enjoy having a job that directly helps the community and gives me the resources to keep learning. When I'm not sleeving bubs in the warehouse, I'm hanging with my pups, birding around New England, or reading whatever horror or sci-fi book I can get my hands on.

Keith

For me, it's all about the long game. I'm either mentoring my teenage son, bonding with my newest little one, loving on an animal (preferably a dog), or building something that's going to last. Being part of the Smoke Works team keeps me grounded and connected to the people. Outside of work, you'll find me making memories with the people I love or under a barbell chasing a new PR.

Amy

I joined the Smoke Works team after nearly two decades in direct service. My favorite thing about the job is the sheer variety of kits and supplies I can choose from on any given day. When I'm not working, I'm reading an obscene amount of fantasy novels. I think my biggest contribution to the team is my consistently sunny disposition and unwavering optimism.

Our story

From a network of buyers' clubs to a national supplier. Here's the short version:

2024

Launched Material Aid Program to support underfunded harm reduction programs with free pipes

2023

Published peer-reviewed meta-analysis of data on safer smoking

2021

Began direct sales to all harm reduction programs, profits funded free pipes to those who can't afford to buy in bulk

2020

Founded Smoke Works as a series of buyers' clubs comprised of independent harm reduction orgs pooling money to get more pipes for less

The work speaks for itself

We're grateful to be recognized by our community

NHRC Innovation in Harm Reduction Award

Awarded by the National Harm Reduction Coalition in recognition of Smoke Works' contribution to expanding safer smoking access nationwide.

Mitch Snyder Award

Presented for outstanding commitment to housing and harm reduction advocacy at the grassroots level.

AMERSA Best Workshop

Awarded by the Association for Multidisciplinary Education and Research in Substance Use and Addiction for excellence in harm reduction education and training.