Harm Reduction Toolkit

Harm reduction is a public health approach to addressing substance use disorders. Harm reduction aims to reduce the negative impacts related to drug use. Harm reduction outcomes include:

• preventing overdoses,

• reducing infectious disease transmission, 

• and connecting people who use drugs (PWUD) to resources.

 Harm reduction is similar to wearing a helmet while biking or a seatbelt in the car. While these efforts will not stop an accident from occurring, they do reduce the risk of harm or death. Harm reduction does not require an individual to stop using to be effective. Often, formal treatment programs are not an option for PWUD due to factors such as cost, location, or family status. Harm reduction is effective because it meets people where they are on their journey. 

This toolkit covers several key harm reduction methods, including naloxone, fentanyl test strips, syringe service programs (SSPs), and nutrition and its role in recovery. Throughout the toolkit, links to references and additional resources are underlined and highlighted in red. If you have questions, feedback, or ideas for this toolkit, please reach out to Mary Jo Katras (mkatras@umn.edu) or Laura Palombi (lpalombi@d.umn.edu).

To find out more about harm reduction, opioid misuse prevention, and recovery efforts in Minnesota, please visit University of Minnesota Extension's Community-based Opioid Prevention and Education (C.O.P.E.) website.