Harm Reduction Toolkit

Overdose Responder Training:
Training on overdose response and how and when to administer naloxone in NYC shelters.

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Fentanyl Test Strip Training: Training for staff to teach clients how to use fentanyl test strips to check substances for fentanyl contamination.

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Harm Reduction Training:
Training on harm reduction for people experiencing homelessness.

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Harm Reduction E-Learning:
Self-paced online training on how to use a harm reduction approach in shelters.

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CEI Drug User Health Training Portal:
Clinical trainings and resources on drug user health from the Clinical Education Initiative

View website

Understanding Trauma & Building Positive Environments in Shelter Training:  
For Families with Children frontline staff to learn more about childhood trauma and how to build positive environments in shelter
Learn more and register

"If You See an Overdose" Naloxone Training Flyer: Naloxone flyer to train staff and clients and post in high-use areas. 

View in English, Spanish, Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, French, Haitian Creole, Italian, Korean, Polish, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Urdu, Wolof, Yiddish.

Universal Harm Reduction Client Education Script: Script for providing universal harm reduction education to clients.

View in English, Spanish, Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, French, Haitian Creole, Italian, Korean, Polish, Pulaar, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Urdu, Wolof, Yiddish.

"Tips for Staying Safe" Handout: Handout with information on staying safe if you use drugs or alcohol.

View in English, Spanish, Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, French, Haitian Creole, Italian, Korean, Polish, Pulaar, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Urdu, Wolof, Yiddish.

"Learning About High-Risk Alcohol Use" Handout: Handout with information on staying safe if you use alcohol.

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Overdose Prevention Tips: Safety planning tips for drug use from the National Harm Reduction Coalition 

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"Learning About K2" Handout: Handout with information on staying safe while using K2.

View in English, Spanish, Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, French, Haitian Creole, Italian, Korean, Polish, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Urdu, Yiddish.

Hepatitis C Counseling and Treatment Guidance: Guidance for medical providers working with people experiencing homelessness

View or download

OOPP Roles & Responsibilities:
Flow chart describing roles and responsibilities of Overdose Prevention Champions and Responders

View and download

Overdose Responder Training Slides:
Training slides for Overdose Prevention Champions to use to train staff and clients

View and download

"If You See an Overdose" Naloxone Training Flyer: Naloxone flyer to train staff and clients and post in high-use areas. 

View in English, Spanish, Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, French, Haitian Creole, Italian, Korean, Polish, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Urdu, Wolof, Yiddish.

Naloxone Training and Distribution Reporting Guidelines:
Instructions for reporting naloxone training and kit distribution to shelter staff and clients

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Naloxone Training and Distribution Reporting Form
for DHS and HRA Overdose Prevention Champion and Trainers
View form

Naloxone training and distribution for clients should be documented in the Service Plan in CARES

Naloxone Order Form: Online form for ordering free naloxone kits for DHS and HRA shelters

View form

Suspected Overdose Incident Report Guidelines: Guidelines for shelter staff on reporting overdose events in DHS incident reports

View form

Overdose Response and Naloxone Distribution Train-the-Trainer: 

Training for shelter staff who are Overdose Prevention Champion Trainers.

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Harm Reduction Services in Shelter Documentation Template
for direct service staff

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Harm Reduction Services Billing Guide for Licensed Substance Use Programs: Billing guide to support community pre-admission harm reduction services delivery in shelter

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H+H Safetynet Clinic:
Referral list of H+H safety net clinics for New Yorkers experiencing homelessness

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988: 24/7 free counseling and referrals to mental health, mental health, substance use and crisis care. 

Call, text or visit online

H+H Express Care: Medical and behavioral health urgent care and medications. Online or by phone. 24/7, no out-of-pocket cost for DHS clients. 

Call (845) 397-2273 or visit www.expresscare.nyc/dhs 

View or download flyer

NYC Health Map:
Find health services including substance use and harm reduction programs in NYC

See map

NYC Syringe Services Programs Pocket Card: Listing of syringe services programs in NYC and drug use safety tips. Created by the NYC Health Department.

Available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Bengali, French, Italian, Korean, Polish, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Urdu, Yiddish

Drug Checking in NYC: Listing of places that check drugs for fentanyl and other contaminants. Created by the NYC Health Department. In English and Spanish.

View or download

Peer and Vocational Program Referrals: Peer certification and training programs for people with lived experience using alcohol or drugs

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Harm Reduction in NYC Shelters Strategic Plan: Harm Reduction in NYC Shelters: 2023-2024 Strategic Plan

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Overdose Awareness Day Toolkit: List of ideas for Overdose Awareness Day educational activities to do in shelter

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Harm Reduction in Shelters LinkedIn Page: Follow the LinkedIn page for news, upcoming trainings and new resources

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Harm Reduction in Shelters Newsletter: Subscribe to the quarterly newsletter for job and career development opportunities, training reminders and more. See the July 2025 archived newsletter.

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