Harm Reduction Saves Lives

The Mosaic, Fall 2023 edition

Every day, somewhere in New York City, eight people die from an opioid overdose. Prevention, treatment, and recovery initiatives support efforts to stop the persistent and deadly opioid epidemic. Yet did you know Harm Reduction is a critical tool in the battle against the opioid epidemic?

Federal, state, and local government agencies have been funding harm reduction programs in efforts to save lives. Recently, the White House announced funding of $450 million for prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery services. But what is harm reduction?

Harm reduction is a set of strategies that help reduce the harmful consequences associated with substance use. It acknowledges that individuals may choose to use drugs – with or without warnings or treatment. Harm reduction strategies empower individuals to make healthy choices – through adjustments to their habits – and avoid infection or a fatal overdose.

As part of its treatment programs, Samaritan Daytop Village teaches clients about harm reduction. Two strategies are to always keep on hand a supply of Narcan, the medication that reverses an opioid overdose, and a set of Fentanyl testing strips. Another recommendation is to access opioid treatment services to help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms from opioid use disorder.

Since 2012, Samaritan Daytop Village has trained staff in Narcan administration. That training has expanded to communities throughout New York City and State.

In 2020, PARC (Peer Alliance Recovery Centers) in Queens and the Bronx began receiving New York City Council funding to train the public on Narcan administration. The classes take place in formal workshops virtually or in person. Peer specialists also take the training to the streets at local community fairs. Students who complete the formal or on-the-street training classes receive a free Narcan Rescue Kit. Each kit has two doses of Narcan and a set of fentanyl testing strips. View upcoming class dates in PARC’s training schedule.

For a list of more tips and resources, visit the Risk Reduction page on our website at samaritanvillage.org/about-good/harm-reduction.

To schedule a virtual or an in-person Narcan training session with PARC, call 929-244-1500 in the Bronx or 929-244-1445 in Queens.