Harm Reduction
What Is Harm Reduction?
Harm Reduction is the practice of making small changes in one's lifestyle, step-by-step, to prioritize saving lives and preventing the spread of diseases. Harm Reduction involves meeting people where they're at, providing support with dignity and respect until they're ready to make bigger changes in their lives.
These practices include distributing Narcan, a medication to reverse opioid overdoses, syringe exchange programs, access to emergency contraception and birth control, drug testing kits, and education on how to keep yourself safe.
Why Is Harm Reduction Important?
Harm reduction is critical because it saves lives and respects human dignity. Traditional “zero-tolerance” approaches often drive people away from services, increasing risks of overdose, infectious disease transmission (like HIV and hepatitis C), and death. By focusing on practical, non-judgmental support, Harm Reduction reduces the amount of fatal overdose deaths, reduces the spread of diseases, lowers healthcare costs, and builds trust between at-risk populations and treatment or healthcare providers.
Accessing Harm Reduction Supplies
JACC has both nasal spray and IM naloxone available - plus Fentanyl, Xylazine, and Medetomidine testing kits strips for free in the back alley of the building. Please feel free to stop by and grab some. If you have questions on how to use any of these, please feel free to give us a call or stop in to see us for a brief demonstration.