Harm reduction is care that is free of stigma and centered on the needs of people who use substances. Misusing substances can be dangerous. Harm reduction teaches people how to be safer and helps prevent overdoses (when someone takes too much of a drug).
Harm reduction programs can include:
- Safe Storage - keeping medicine locked up in a special box so others can't get to it
- Syringe Safety Programs - teaching people the right way to use needles and throw them away safely
- Giving Out Naloxone/Narcan - giving people a special medicine that can stop an overdose and save someone's life
- Good Samaritan law A.R.S. § 36-2267 - This law says that: Anyone can give naloxone medicine to someone who is having an overdose. If you help someone in good faith and you do not get paid for it:
- You won't get in trouble
- You won’t be blamed if something goes wrong.
- Fentanyl Testing Substances - materials that help test if drugs contain fentanyl (a very dangerous drug)
Source: Overdose Data to Action: Prevention Strategies | Overdose Prevention | CDC
Arizona Harm Reduction Programs:
Resources:
Member Portal