Harm Reduction
Rural Response Network
Harm Reduction
Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use. Harm Reduction is also a movement for social justice built on a belief in, and respect for, the rights of people who use drugs.
According to the National Harm Reduction Coalition, harm reduction incorporates a spectrum of strategies that includes safer use, managed use, abstinence, meeting people who use drugs “where they’re at,” and addressing conditions of use along with the use itself. Because harm reduction demands that interventions and policies designed to serve people who use drugs reflect specific individual and community needs, there is no universal definition of or formula for implementing harm reduction.
Learn about the principles of harm reduction here.
According to Overdose Lifeline, harm reduction efforts strengthen public safety by preventing disease transmission and injury, reducing public nuisance, providing an entry point for people into services (including treatment), and developing meaningful partnerships between community groups, public health and public safety groups, and business groups.
Harm Reduction Strategies Fall into Four Primary Areas:
Education
Which includes information, knowledge and the application of that knowledge
Providing access to tools
which may reduce harm such as syringes, naloxone, risk reduction kits
Support
A key attribute of harm reduction is the concept of low threshold support that have minimum requirements for participation and normally address basic health and social needs of PWUD.
Linking to services
which may include medical services such as HIV, HEP C testing and treatment, to SUD treatment referrals and mental health. We need all 4 areas to optimize impact of services as they are all interconnect.
For more information or Additional Resources
Lorain County Harm Reduction Clinic
Address: 3150 Clifton Avenue Lorain OH 44055
Hours: Monday & Friday — 1:00 to 5:00PM
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday — 10:00AM to 2:00PM
Available Services, Supplies and Referrals:
- Safe Smoking Kits
- Syringe Exchange
- NARCAN Kits
- Peer Support
- Counseling & peer support
- Access to drug treatment
- HIV/AIDS and STD testing and education
- Wound assessment
- Assistance with benefit applications
- Resources for family, friends, and significant others who are trying to cope with loved ones
Harm Reduction Ohio (HRO) is a human rights organization working to improve the health and happiness of people who use/drugs with a mission to:
- Reduce harms associated with drug use and drug policy.
- Empower people who use drugs to care for themselves.
- Promote health equity through compassionate, nonjudgmental medical services.
- Educate the public and policymakers to treat people who use/d drugs with respect and without stigma.
- End the criminalization of people who use drugs.
For resources, or to learn more, visit Home Page – Harm Reduction Ohio
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