Harm reduction is an evidence-based approach for the engagement with people who use drugs that meets people where they are at. The purpose is to provide individuals with the tools that can potentially save their lives and link them to resources of need. A harm reduction approach emphasizes engagement directly with people who use drugs to prevent overdose and the spread of infectious disease transmission; improve physical, mental, and social wellbeing; and offer low barrier options for accessing health care services, including substance use and mental health disorder treatment (SAMHSA).
Harm Reduction for overdose prevention activities in Nevada include (but not limited to):
- Medication for Opioid Use Disorder
- Overdose Reversal Medication
- Fentanyl & Xylazine Test Strips
- Clean Needle Exchange Programs
- Sharps disposal and medication disposal
Harm Reduction Resources
Websites
National Harm Reduction Coalition
The National Harm Reduction Coalition works to increase access to evidence-based harm reduction strategies like overdose prevention and syringe access programs.
National Harm Reduction Technical Assistance Center (NHRTAC)
The National Harm Reduction Technical Assistance Center (NHRTAC) provides free help to anyone in the country providing (or planning to provide) harm reduction services to their community. This may include syringe services programs, health departments, programs providing treatment for substance use disorder, as well as prevention and recovery programs.
Tools & Resources
How to Use Fentanyl Test Strips
Infographics and step-by-step instructions.
Las Vegas Harm Reduction Center
Trac-B seeks to improve the quality of life of those affected by substance use disorders including our clients, their loved ones, and their communities. Trac-B Exchange provides harm reduction services and supplies to people engaged in the sex trade and people who are injecting or misusing drugs or other substances and are at risk for violence and communicable diseases including Hepatitis C and HIV.
Native Harm Reduction Toolkit
This toolkit was imagined and created by Arlene Brown, member of the Bishop Paiute Tribe, with support from NHRC staff, including Jessica Smith. It has been informed by Tribal and Urban Native people from across California and brings together resources from Indigenous harm reduction leaders from across the country and beyond.
Nevada Fentanyl Test Strip Distribution Sites
A list and map of Fentanyl Test Strip Distribution Sites in Nevada.
Never Use Alone
Toll-free national overdose prevention, detection, life-saving crisis response and medical intervention services for people who use drugs while alone. Never Use Alone’s peer operators are available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Overdose Prevention and Response Toolkit
This toolkit provides guidance to a wide range of individuals on preventing and responding to an overdose. The toolkit also emphasizes that harm reduction and access to treatment are essential aspects of overdose prevention.
Overdose Reversal Medication for Community Organizations
This guide includes Naloxone Distribution in Nevada guidelines and best practices for community based organizations.
Overdose Reversal Medication for Professionals
A Nevada provider's guide to prescribing Naloxone to patients who use opioids.
Safety and Effectiveness of Syringe Services Programs
This CDC resource discusses the safety and effectiveness of Syringe services programs (SSPs) which are proven and effective community-based prevention programs that can provide a range of services and protect the public and first responders by facilitating the safe disposal of used needles and syringes.
SAMHSA Harm Reduction Framework
The SAMHSA Harm Reduction Framework is the first document to comprehensively outline harm reduction and its role within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The Framework will inform SAMHSA’s harm reduction activities moving forward, as well as related policies, programs, and practices.
Spirit of Harm Reduction: A Toolkit for Communities of Faith Facing Overdose
A toolkit addressing faith and faith leadership in engaging with people who use drugs and harm reduction practices.
Syringe Services Programs
This CDC resource highlights the critical role of Syringe Services Programs (SSPs) in preventing the spread of infectious diseases, such as hepatitis C and HIV, among people who inject drugs. SSPs offer various services, including access to sterile syringes, testing, counseling, and referrals to substance use disorder treatment, significantly reducing the risk of infections and overdose deaths. Research indicates that SSPs are safe, effective, and associated with positive outcomes, including increased entry into drug treatment and reduced drug use. Additionally, SSPs collaborate with law enforcement to provide naloxone and safe needle disposal, contributing to community safety.222
Wound Care & Medical Triage for People Who Use Drugs and the Programs That Serve Them
This comprehensive guide provides information and recommendations regarding general health, safer use practices, common viral, fungal, parasitic, and other injection-related infections, overdose and overamp, tapering, withdrawal, medications for opioid use disorder, and seeking medical care.
Posters & Infographics
Harm Reduction Social Media Toolkit
The Harm Reduction Social Media Toolkit is designed to help share knowledge about the dangers of opioid use, learn how to prevent opioid overdose/poisoning, and provide education on harm reduction.
Get the Toolkit
Prescribe 365 Brochure
This brochure is for providers to print and display in their offices encouraging patients to openly discuss safe use of opioids.
Download Brochure
What is Harm Reduction? (Poster)
This poster identifies some of the most common harm reduction methods in an attempt to normalize the term "harm reduction" and broaden the definition.
Download the Poster
Wound Care Pocket Card
This pocket card from NYC.gov is a guide to wound care self-management for people who use drugs.
Download the Wound Care Pocket Card
Publications
Evidence-Based Strategies for Preventing Opioid Overdose: What’s Working in the United States
There are strategies that can assist community leaders, local and regional organizers, non-profit groups, law enforcement, public health, and members of the public in understanding and navigating effective ways to prevent opioid overdose in their communities. Use this information as a reference for evidence-based practices that have been successfully implemented in the U.S.
Good Samaritan Fatal Overdose Prevention and Drug-induced Homicide: Summary of State Laws
Research indicates that there is often a reluctance among those witnessing an overdose to summon emergency assistance from law enforcement or other first responders out of fear of arrest for drug possession or other charges. In an effort to reduce this fear and to encourage overdose witnesses to seek help, state policymakers developed Good Samaritan laws specific to drug overdoses. The purpose of these laws is to prioritize the overdose victim’s safety over arresting drug users by granting limited protection from criminal liability to persons seeking medical assistance and, in most cases, to the overdose victim. This document (1) provides a singular resource for each jurisdiction’s laws; (2) allows for a comparison of these laws between jurisdictions; and (3) identifies and highlights interesting provisions.
Xylazine Basics: Overdose Prevention, Harm Reduction, and Wound Care
This document provides information on xylazine, a non-opioid veterinary tranquilizer used as an additive in illicit drug supplies, notably in combination with heroin and fentanyl. It discusses the effects of xylazine use, including sedation and potential risks such as hypotension and bradycardia. The document also emphasizes harm reduction interventions for individuals who may encounter xylazine in the drug supply, including the use of naloxone for responding to overdoses and the importance of wound identification and treatment.
Webinars & Online Learning
Current News & Research
Harm Reduction: Findings from the Field
Alexander, C. (2024, May 07). Harm Reduction: Findings from the Field. [Blog post]. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Blog. https://www.samhsa.gov/blog/harm-reduction-findings-field