This step-by-step tutorial supports stakeholders interested in implementing a harm reduction program.

Background

Many communities lack access to harm reduction programs, such as syringe service programs, despite their proven success in reducing overdose deaths, preventing infectious disease transmission, and supporting the health and dignity of people who use drugs. Individuals and groups committed to these outcomes may consider starting a harm reduction program to meet the otherwise unmet needs of people who use drugs in their community. This step-by-step tutorial supports stakeholders interested in implementing a harm reduction program. It includes tools to gauge community readiness and understand existing state laws, as well as practical training guides and other resources to get started. 

About this Tool

This tool is a step-by-step guide for beginning harm reduction work in a community, including:

• Assessing existing services;
• Understanding state policy environments;
• Reviewing existing practical guides and resources; and
• Reflecting on motivations for starting a program and capacity for including people who use drugs in the program design.

Program/Policy Takeaways

Stakeholders interested in organizing a harm reduction program can leverage this toolkit to gauge whether their community already has harm reduction services and, if not, to access foundational guidance and materials to support program development grounded in the greater harm reduction movement and related best practices.