Harm Reduction

Harm reduction is a public health strategy that aims to reduce the harms associated with substance use by providing non-judgmental services and support  to people who use drugs. Harm reduction services currently offered at Aliveness  include, but are not limited to, provision of sterile hypodermic needles and  syringes, disposal of used hypodermic needles and syringes, HIV and Hepatitis C  (HCV) testing, access to naloxone kits and training, overdose education and  counseling, linkage to HIV and HCV medical care and services, and treatment  referrals. 

Some of the best-known harm reduction tools include:  

• Free syringe service programs 
• Overdose prevention sites
• Fentanyl tests
• Naloxone kits and training
• Sterile injection equipment

Harm reduction also comprises treatment facilities, support groups, and medical  services, including wound care and vaccinations. Sex education, STI testing and  treatment, condoms, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are other critical harm  reduction tools and services.

Harm reduction recognizes the various social inequalities which affect both  people's vulnerability to and capacity for effectively dealing with drug-related  harm. The harm reduction approach supports the idea that those with substance  use disorders should be treated with dignity and respect and have a wide selection  of treatment options to make an informed decision about their individual needs.  

Additionally, sharing needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment puts  people who inject drugs (PWID) at high risk for HIV and other infections. By  providing access to sterile syringes and other injection equipment, harm reduction  strategies effectively prevent the transmission of blood-borne infections.  

Research has consistently demonstrated that harm reduction programs do not exacerbate drug use. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, individuals who utilize syringe exchange programs are five times more likely to  stop using drugs compared to those who don't.

Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is a medication used to temporarily reverse an opioid overdose. Naloxone can be administered via a nasal spray or injected into the muscle, under the skin, or into the veins. Research has demonstrated that the distribution of naloxone is effective in reducing opioid-related deaths.

Non Sterile injections can lead to the transmission of HIV, viral hepatitis, and bacterial, and fungal infections. By providing access to sterile syringes and other injection equipment, SSPs effectively prevent the transmission of blood-borne infections. Research indicates that Syringe Services Programs decrease HCV transmission among people who inject drugs by as much as 50% and decrease HIV infection by as much as 80%. 

The Minnesota Pharmacy Syringe Access Initiative is a program that allows any pharmacy to sell up to 10 syringes without a prescription. Although every community could benefit from a Syringe Service Program (SSP), there are still a small number of SSPs, primarily concentrated in the Twin Cities. The Syringe Access program increases statewide access to unused, sterile hypodermic needles, especially in rural areas (cost may vary from $2.50 to $5.00 per pack).

For people who inject drugs, it is important to reduce the risks associated with drug use. Click Here to read a manual provided by the National Harm Reduction Coalition that contains a description of injection techniques and medical facts that allow individuals to make rational and informed decisions about using drugs.

Aliveness is always looking for volunteers to help in the Syringe Services Program (SSP). Contact our volunteer manager at [email protected] to inquire about volunteer opportunities such as packing safer-use kits, etc.