The Drug Policy Alliance mourns the passing of Dr. Robert Newman, our long-time friend and ally, and former board member. Dr. Newman saved countless lives as an early advocate and practitioner of harm reduction. He dramatically expanded New York City’s methadone services in the early 1970’s, which evolved into one of the most robust medication-assisted treatment programs in the U.S., and he opened one of the nation’s first outpatient AIDS clinics in 1984 while heading Beth Israel Medical Center. At the forefront of the movement for drug policy reform, he was a staunch defender of the health and dignity of people who use drugs.
All of us at the Drug Policy Alliance will remember Uncle Robby, as he’s affectionately referred to by DPA staff and friends, with deep gratitude, and we offer our condolences and love to his wife Seiko, his children Seiji and Hana, and his nephew Tony, DPA’s director of media relations.