Harm Reduction

Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use. It includes a spectrum of strategies including safer use, managed use, abstinence, treating people who use drugs with dignity and compassion and meeting them "where they are" to help them regain a healthy life and reduce the impact of drug use on the community. Learn more about the principles of harm reduction.

Through our Outreach Services we provide a wide array of supportive services including linkage to substance use treatment programs, screening and linkage to care for HIV and viral hepatitis, naloxone distribution and education about overdose prevention, referrals to other social, mental health, and medical resources.

Update: The Health Department's headquarters, 400 E. Gray St., has partially reopened after significant damage from indoor flooding. Our Harm Reduction Services at the same location is open Mondays, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Wednesdays, 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. and Fridays 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Outreach Services (formerly syringe services)

Louisville Metro’s Department of Public Health and Wellness’ Harm Reduction Services Program provides support to people using drugs to regain a healthy life and reduce the impact of drug use on the community. Through our Outreach Services we provide a wide array of supportive services including linkage to substance use treatment programs, screening and linkage to care for HIV and viral hepatitis, naloxone distribution and education about overdose prevention, referrals to other social, mental health, and medical resources.

• Syringe Services Program (Hours and locations)
• CDC SSP Fact Sheet
• SSP Participant Bill of Rights and Responsibilities **UPDATE**
• SSP County Locations in Kentucky
• How to Safely Dispose of Syringes

Safe Syringe Disposal

• Community Safe Syringe Disposal Bins

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Boone Square Park: Near Rowan between N 19^th and N 20^th St, adjacent to the bathroom structure.

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Portland Park: On N 27^th St at Cornwall, to the right of the Portland Community Center entrance. [Temporary location, will move to other side of building once concrete slab is poured].

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Shelby Park: Near Clay St between Gwendolyn and Shelby Parkway, on the northeast corner of the covered pavilion.

• How to Safely Dispose of Syringes

Overdose Prevention

• Overdose Prevention Video Link
• Fentanyl Test Strip Graphic
• Request free fentanyl test strips
• Harm Reduction Coalition Overdose Prevention

To request a Narcan kit call us at 502-574-8800 or contact the Kentucky Harm Reduction Coalition at 502-537-6061.

Fentanyl

• Fentanyl Use and Overdose Prevention
• Fentanyl Test Strips: Know What's In Your Drugs, Prevent Overdose
• Request free fentanyl test strips

Safer Sex and Sex Work

• Safer Sex Work

HIV

• LMPHW HIV Prevention
• HIV and Injection Drug Use
• PreP Resources Kentucky
• KAA

HCV

• Norton HCV
• UofL HepC Center
• HIV and HCV Coinfection

Wound Care

• Wound Care Zine

Unhoused

• Coalition for the Homeless
• Re-center Ministries for Women and Children
• Up Louisville
• St John Center for Men

Addiction and Treatment Help

• FindHelpNowKY treatment locator
• Treatment & Recovery Resources
• Medication Oriented Recovery and Enhancement (MORE) Program
• Overdose Prevention
• Safe Medication Disposal
• Syringe Exchange Program

 

Helpful links

• FindHelpNowKY treatment locator
• Treatment and Recovery Resources
• Syringe Service Program Medical Harm Reduction Toolkit
• Harm Reduction Action Center
• National Harm Reduction Coalition
• Harm Reduction International
• Kentucky Harm Reduction Coalition