Harm reduction refers to a broad range of public health policies and practices designed to lessen the negative effects of human behaviors, both legal and illegal. Day-to-day behaviors that reduce risk include wearing a seat belt while driving in a car or using sunscreen when going outside.
When it comes to substance use, harm reduction is an evidence-based approach that saves lives and decreases potential harms for individuals and the larger community.
Strategies include:
- Access to naloxone (NARCAN®)
- Designated sober driver
- Safe disposal of unused medications and sharps
- Access to fentanyl test strips
- Syringe exchange programs
Please reach out to BRiDGES at 315-697-3947 for NARCAN® training & kits, medication disposal, and fentanyl test trips.
Please visit the ACRHealth website for more information about syringe exchange programs in our area: https://www.acrhealth.org/syringe-exchange/.