United in Support, Resolute in Change, Committed to Action.

The Matthew Tot Foundation empowers change through understanding and compassion for a safer approach to drug use and addiction.

The case for Legalization

Partnership & Collaboration

Holistic Support Services

Circle of Hope

MATTHEW TOT FOUNDATION

In July 2023, the Circle of Hope - Matthew Tot Foundation was born from profound loss and collective compassion. Its genesis was rooted in the memory of Matthew, a vibrant soul whose life was tragically cut short by addiction and homelessness. Matthew's passing brought together compassionate strangers, forming a 'Circle of Hope', an emblem of support, unity, and the healing power of empathy. Inspired by this act, the Foundation emerged to extend this circle of compassion to others battling addiction, fostering a community that replaces judgment with understanding, indifference with empathy, and punishment with support. We believe in the transformative potential of compassion, paving the way for a safer and healthier society.

The Global Commission developed five pathways for reforming drug policies:

The Commission’s 2014 report broke ground by advancing and globalizing the debate over drug control measures and its alternatives. Anticipating the 2016 United Nations General Assembly Special Session on drugs (UNGASS), the report provides clear-cut pathways for Member States. The five recommendations for more effective drug policies include: putting health and community safety first; ensuring equitable access to controlled medicines; ending the criminalization of people who use or possess drugs; promoting alternatives to incarceration for low-level participants in illicit drug markets, including cultivators; and encouraging policy innovations such as legally regulated markets, beginning with, but not limited to cannabis, coca leaf and certain other psychoactive substances. Never had so many former world leaders spoken out in support of legal, regulation of currently illicit drugs.

Source: http://www.globalcommissionondrugs.org/

1. Public Health First

Prioritize health over punitive measures, focusing on harm reduction, prevention, and evidence-based treatment for substance users.

2. Access to Controlled Medicines

Ensure safe, regulated access to controlled substances for medicinal use, improving healthcare outcomes.

3. Decriminalization of Personal Use

Advocate for the decriminalization of personal drug use and possession, shifting from punishment to support and rehabilitation.

4. Alternative Strategies & Socio-Economic Development

Promote non-punitive responses for non-violent, low-level actors in illicit drug markets, offering socio-economic opportunities as legitimate exit strategies.

5. Drug Market Regulation & Crime Reduction

Push for regulated drug markets to weaken organized crime, and counter its corruptive, violent influence on society.

Policy Reform

COH promotes the understanding of drug addiction complexity and advocates for health-centric policy reforms. Collaboratively fostering a supportive community, our aim is change towards a safer, compassionate society.

Our Approach

Public Education

COH works to raise awareness and understanding of drug addiction as a complex health issue, dispelling stigmas and misinformation, while promoting empathetic approaches towards those battling addiction.

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