Van Asher has worked in SSPs (Syringe Service Programs) in NYC since 1992. As a formerly unhoused drug user, his passion lies in providing access to services for the drug-using community as well as training those who serve them. In his career Van has run three SSP in the greater NY area. One in Midtown Manhattan, one in the South Bronx, and most recently one on NYC’s Lower East Side where his Harm Reduction journey began. Van has recently relocated to Oak Park, IL and is continuing his Harm Reduction work in the Midwest. He currently works as a harm reduction consultant, the Director of Special Projects for the Puerto Rico Project, is the Director of Policy and Advocacy for Chicago Street Med and with Reduce Harm Inc. In 2016 he came up with the Fentanyl Test Strip initiative and taught people to use urine test strips to check their drugs in an attempt to lessen accidental overdose. He is recognized as a National trainer in the field of Harm Reduction. In his free time he races vintage brakeless motorcycles.
