SACRAMENTO, CA — Today marks the official launch of the California Harm Reduction Coalition (CHRC), a new statewide alliance dedicated to advancing evidence-based policies that reduce the harm caused by combustible tobacco use while preserving consumer choice and protecting vulnerable communities. The coalition brings together public health advocates, researchers, small business owners, community leaders, and individuals with lived experience who support practical solutions to help people transition away from traditional cigarettes. CHRC is focused on educating policymakers, media, and the public on the importance of harm reduction — an approach grounded in science, compassion, and personal autonomy. Harm reduction has long reduced disease and death from substance use. From HIV prevention to opioid overdose reversal, these policies work—and save lives. More than 8 million people die annually from smoking. It is time to bring harm reduction to tobacco by offering safer alternatives to those who cannot or will not quit. The coalition’s priorities include: Advancing education on tobacco harm reduction as a public health tool Elevating science-backed research to dispel the stigma around harm reduction policies Uplifting community voices from across California, especially those most impacted by tobacco-related disease To mark its launch, CHRC has released a new digital platform, www.caharmreduction.com , featuring educational resources, policy analysis, and opportunities for coalition-building and community engagement. About the California Harm Reduction Coalition: The California Harm Reduction Coalition is a nonpartisan alliance of advocates, public health professionals, small businesses, and community members working to reduce the harms associated with tobacco use through education, access, and equitable policy. Learn more at www.caharmreduction.com .