Biography
Katharine Neill Harris, Ph.D., is the Alfred C. Glassell, III, Fellow in Drug Policy at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. Her current research focuses on the availability of drug treatment for at-risk populations, the opioid epidemic, and the legalization of medical and adult-use cannabis. She supports policy reforms that treat drug use as a public health issue, such as alternatives to incarceration for drug offenders, needle-exchange programs, safe-consumption sites, drug testing services, expanded access to medication-assisted treatments, and greater integration of substance use and mental health services with each other and with other areas of medical service.
Neill Harris received a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from George Mason University. She earned a master’s degree in public administration from Old Dominion University before going on to complete her Ph.D. in public administration and urban policy. She received the Old Dominion University Outstanding Ph.D. Student Award in 2014 and the Simon Scholarship for Academic Performance in 2011 and 2012.
Contact at [email protected] or 713-348-3193.
Recent Publications
In The Guardian: Cannabis reclassified
While reclassifying cannabis to a schedule III drug will reduce the tax burden for existing dispensaries, Harris said, it’s unlikely to level the playing field for those looking to get into the industry. “Bank of America, like Wells Fargo, I mean, they’re just not going to enthusiastically embrace this kind of gray area of law. That’s just not how they operate.”
In Texas Tribune: Pharmacy policy reduces easy access to lifesaving Narcan
Despite its new prescription free status, inconsistencies in policy towards Narcan placement and availability in pharmacies is limiting public access. “This is the opposite of what is supposed to be occurring," Harris said. "When you put something behind the counter, it automatically makes people less likely to ask for it. It makes them think they need a prescription to ask for it."
Harris County Leads State in Fentanyl Deaths in 2023, Data Shows
Before fentanyl’s rise, overdose deaths were more limited to opioid and heroin users, fellow Katharine Neill Harris explains. But now, the risk has broadened to non-regular drug users, like someone trying cocaine for the first time or buying counterfeit drugs.