COVID-19 and Harm Reduction

Two new fact sheets provid information to help people plan for what to do, stay healthy and minimize the risk of novel coronavirus infection.

In times of disaster, including the COVID-19 emergency, it is essential that we consider the needs of people who use drugs (PWUD). Providing a continuity of harm reduction supplies like sterile syringes and naloxone is just as important as providing them with information and support to get through these challenging times. Planning and preparing for safer drug use is an essential component of self-care for PWUD.

These two fact sheets—“Safer Drug Use During the COVID-19 Outbreak” and “Syringe Services and Harm Reduction Provider Operations During the COVID-19 Outbreak”—are designed to provide easy-to-read and practical tips for preventing COVID-19, as well as how to plan and prepare for safer drug use and continue to prevent HIV, HCV and opioid overdose while we are in this emergency period.

These materials were created in partnership between Higher Ground Harm Reduction, Reynolds Health Strategies, Harm Reduction Coalition and Vital Strategies. They are living documents that will be updated as new developments and information arise.