What Is Harm Reduction?
Harm reduction is a way to “meet people where they’re at,” without requiring you to meet certain conditions in order to maintain your health. It’s safety, your way.
Harm reduction approaches to substance use are not strictly abstinence-oriented. Rather, they encourage individuals to examine the connections between their substance use or sexual health and their health and well-being, and to take steps toward any positive change.
Our programs and services are based in harm reduction. Everyone is welcome, no matter what place they’re in, no matter how challenging their life is, no matter how sick they are. It’s a client-centered, person-centered approach.
Syringe Access & Safer Drug Use
We provide safer drug use supplies to people who inject or use other substances in order to prevent the transmission of HIV, hepatitis C and other infectious diseases.
Drug & Alcohol Counseling
We provide non-judgmental, harm reduction-based drug and alcohol counseling and drop-in services for people interested in addressing their substance use. Treatment is a partnership, individually tailored to address each participant’s goals and needs wherever they are in their experience with alcohol and drugs.
Prevent Overdose Fatalities
Opioid overdoses are the leading cause of death in the United States. But you can change that stark statistic with the right training and supplies,. In collaboration with the D.O.P.E. Project, we offer overdose prevention and response training and supplies like fentanyl test strips and Narcan.
Harm Reduction Center Drop-In Group
People who inject or use substances are invited to our harm reduction drop-in group at the Harm Reduction Center. We have snacks, coffee and conversation about reducing the harms that drugs can cause. No judgement, only harm reduction information and caring support for people who use drugs. While you’re there, pick up safer injection and smoking supplies, disposal equipment, overdose prevention and reversal supplies and more.
Our Programs
The Stonewall Project
Counseling for gay, bisexual, queer & trans men interested in changing their relationship to drugs & alcohol.
Syringe Access Services
Safer injection and substance use supplies that prevent the transmission of HIV and HCV.
6th Street Harm Reduction Center Groups
Substance use drop-in support.
More on Harm Reduction
Informe de la evaluación de las necesidades de las personas latinas que consumen drogas en San Francisco
SFAF y la Coalición Nacional para la reducción de daños llevó a cabo una evaluación de necesidades para analizar las condiciones, los retos, y las barreras que afectan a las personas latinas que consumen drogas.
Harm reduction for transgender and non-binary communities
Harm reduction is a critical public health strategy when it comes to ensuring healthier and longer lives for transgender and non-binary people.
Harm Reduction: Xylazine
Xylazine is a veterinary anesthetic used to sedate animals of all sizes during surgery and...
Harm Reduction & Overdose Prevention: Responding to Overdose
Responding to Opioid Overdose
Harm Reduction & Overdose Prevention: Safer Use
Using drugs more safely
Harm Reduction & Overdose Prevention: Poppers & Whippits
Poppers are a slang for chemicals called “alkyl nitrates” or “nitrates.”
Harm Reduction & Overdose Prevention: Crack
Crack cocaine is a crystalized form of cocaine that is smoked.
Harm Reduction & Overdose Prevention: Cocaine
Cocaine is a stimulant drug that many of us use to increase our energy and to feel good.