Harm Reduction Basics
This approach focuses on reducing harm without requiring abstinence.
→ What is harm reduction?
This safer method reduces infection risk compared to injection.
→ What is safer smoking?
✔ Fact: Lowers risk of bloodborne infections.
This reverses opioid overdoses.
→ What is Narcan?
✔ Fact: Works within minutes to restore breathing.
This brings harm reduction services directly into the community.
→ What is a mobile unit?
✔ Fact: Reduces barriers like transportation.
True or False: Using alone increases overdose risk.
→ What is True?
✔ Fact: No one is there to respond.
These individuals can access harm reduction services, regardless of where they are in their use or recovery.
→ Who is anyone (people actively using, in recovery, or not using at all)?
True or False: Street pills are safe if they look real.
→ What is False?
✔ Fact: Many contain fentanyl regardless of appearance.
True or False: Can you die from synthetic marijuana?
True!
✔ Fact: Linked to severe health complications and death.
This Trenton program provides outreach, supplies, and peer support.
→ What is the Rescue Mission of Trenton mobile harm reduction program?
✔ Fact: Offers supplies, referrals, and education.
Testing a small amount first is called this.
→ What is test dose / start low?
✔ Fact: Reduces overdose risk.
True or False: Harm reduction programs increase drug use by providing supplies like Narcan and clean syringes.
→ What is False?
Research shows they Reduce overdose deaths, Prevent HIV and Hepatitis C, Increase access to care and treatment (including MOUD), Build trust so people are more likely to seek help when ready.
Many street pills are laced with this.
→ What is fentanyl?
✔ Fact: Major driver of overdose deaths.
Name one sign of an overdose.
→ What is slow breathing / unresponsive?
✔ Fact: Blue lips and choking sounds are also signs.
Provides HIV services and harm reduction support in NJ.
→ What is Hyacinth Foundation?
✔ Fact: Focuses on testing, prevention, and care.
Name two places to get Narcan locally.
→ What are Pharmacies or outreach programs?
✔ Fact: Free Narcan is widely available in Mercer County.
This term is now used instead of MAT for opioid treatment.
→ What is MOUD?
Medications for Opioid Use Disorder
These help identify substances.
→ What are drug checking kits?
✔ Fact: Can detect fentanyl, xylazine, and more.
Approximate daily overdose deaths in the U.S.
→ What is about 200 people per day?
✔ Fact: Based on national averages.
This health center connects people to primary care and MOUD.
→ What is Henry J. Austin Health Center?
✔ Fact: Provides care regardless of ability to pay.
Using clean supplies every time is called this.
→ What is safer use?
✔ Fact: Prevents infections and complications.
Name the three waves of the rise in opioid overdose deaths
Prescription, Heroin, and Syntenic Opioids.
This synthetic drug can cause seizures, psychosis, and heart issues.
→ What is synthetic marijuana?
✔ Fact: Effects are unpredictable and can be fatal.
This is the first action you should take during an overdose.
→ What is call 911?
✔ Fact: Protected under Good Samaritan Law.
This NJ group is known for drug checking and education.
→ What is NJ Ground Hogs drug checking program?
✔ Fact: Helps identify substances and reduce overdose risk.
Overdose only happens to people who use every day.
→ What is False?
✔ Fact: Can happen to anyone, including first-time use.