If you do not find what you are looking for try searching with a different term or contact us.
AMERSA is proud to announce a new podcast series exploring and highlighting the importance of harm reduction. The series, Harm Reduction: Compassionate Care for People who use Drugs, includes eight 30-minute episodes sponsored by PCSS-MOUD and hosted by AMERSA members, featuring subject matter experts across multiple disciplines.
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.
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.
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
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.
This self-paced, online course covers the following learning objectives: Describe basic trends in opioid overdose death rates at the national and local level, Identify factors that elevate patients’/clients’ risk for opioid overdose, Understand how overdose education/naloxone distribution programs impact health outcomes, Develop a preliminary plan for integrating overdose education into existing services, Learn how to recognize and respond in the case of an overdose and how to find treatment resources within the community
This brochure is for providers to print and display in their offices encouraging patients to openly discuss safe use of opioids.
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
A list and map of Fentanyl Test Strip Distribution Sites in Nevada.
Infographics and step-by-step instructions.
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.
In this recorded webinar, panelists provide a brief overview of Xylazine, a substance newly found in illicit drug supplies, and its impacts on the unsheltered community. Panelists will share their lived expertise with xylazine, its effects, organizational best practices for wound care, overdose response, and harm reduction.
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.
This poster identifies some of the most common harm reduction methods in an attempt to normalize the term “harm reduction” and broaden the definition.
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.
A toolkit addressing faith and faith leadership in engaging with people who use drugs and harm reduction practices.
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.
The National Harm Reduction Coalition works to increase access to evidence-based harm reduction strategies like overdose prevention and syringe access programs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This guide includes Naloxone Distribution in Nevada guidelines and best practices for community based organizations.
A Nevada provider’s guide to prescribing Naloxone to patients who use opioids.
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.
This pocket card from NYC.gov is a guide to wound care self-management for people who use drugs.