HARM REDUCTION UPDATES IN APPALACHIA

What is Harm Reduction?

Harm reduction is a public health philosophy and set of strategies aimed at reducing the negative consequences associated with drug use.

Rather than solely focusing on the prevention of drug use, harm reduction acknowledges that drug use is a part of our world and seeks to minimize its harmful effects on individuals and society.

We recommend reading our short overview of Harm Reduction, which includes the key principles, common harm reduction strategies, benefits, challenges, and criticisms.

HARM REDUCTION BY STATE

This list is not comprehensive. To suggest an organization or update that isn’t listed, please email us!

maryland

  • The Maryland Department of Health, Center for Harm Reduction Services partners with the Maryland Harm Reduction Training Institute (MaHRTI) to build the capacity of Maryland's harm reduction workforce to provide optimal services to pe​ople who use drugs.

north carolina

  • NC Harm Reduction Coalition (NCHRC) is a a statewide grassroots organization dedicated to implementing harm reduction interventions, public health strategies, drug policy transformation, and justice reform in North Carolina.

pennsylvania

  • The Pennsylvania Harm Reduction Network (PAHRN) emerged from a collective effort by passionate advocates who recognized the urgent need for a statewide grassroots organization dedicated to advancing harm reduction principles in Pennsylvania. Our journey began following the closure of the Pennsylvania Harm Reduction Coalition in 2021.

south carolina

  • The South Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition engages in grassroots advocacy, resource development, coalition building, and statewide messaging to improve the lives and safety of people who use drugs. They offer guidance to other groups who may be interested in learning and implementing harm reduction interventions.

tennessee

  • Tennessee Harm Reduction - a 501(c)(3) community-based organization operating at the intersection of drug-user-centric public health, drug user advocacy, HIV/viral hepatitis prevention, and drug policy reform.

virginia

  • Virginia Harm Reduction Coalition (VHRC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, peer-run organization whose mission is to improve the health of the drug-using community we serve by advocating for, developing, and implementing evidence-based solutions to address the adverse effects of drug use.

west virginia

  • All West Virginia CVS, Fruth, Kroger, and Rite Aid Pharmacies are registered to provide naloxone without a prescription. Call ahead to your local pharmacy to ensure inventory and request information about a co-pay. Coupons for naloxone can be found on GoodRx.

  • The syringe program in Charleston was forced to close in 2018 and in 2021 the state legislature passed Senate Bill 334 which implemented regulations on syringe service programs in West Virginia.

  • West Virginia Health Right - is an expanded WV state-certified harm reduction program serving at East End Clinic and Covenant House locations.