Harm Reduction

What is harm reduction? Harm reduction includes any behaviors, policies, programs and procedures that reduce the potential harm of a risky behavior. You probably practice harm reduction strategies every day without even knowing it. Seatbelts in cars, expiration dates on food, and wearing sunscreen when you go to the beach or pool are all examples of harm reduction.

When it comes to drug use, harm reduction includes a variety of things that reduce the risk of overdose and reduce the risks of infections, illness, and other dangers posed as a result of drug use. Harm reduction does NOT condone drug use but encourages any positive change. That could be anything from using drugs differently or less often, not sharing supplies, and carrying Naloxone, all the way up to choosing to abstain from drug use completely. According to research by the Centers for Disease Control, people who participate in harm reduction activities are 5 times mores likely to seek help for their drug use than those who do not.

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has a Drug User Health Resource Guide that contains vital information for harm reduction, health services, food and housing resources and more.

For more local information on harm reduction, please contact:
Twin City Harm Reuction Collective
639 South Green Street, Winston Salem
Twincityhrc@gmail.com
336-529-4492
https://www.tchrc.org/