COVID-19 Response
Harm Reduction Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
COVID-19 is an illness caused by a novel coronavirus that can cause respiratory infection and lead to health problems. The World Health Organization (WHO) defined COVID-19 as a global health emergency and a pandemic, meaning it spread to many people across the world at the same time.
We are experiencing a global public health crisis as health care capacity is being outpaced by the rise in serious COVID-19 cases that require treatment and care. And like many other health issues, COVID-19 disproportionately impacts people of color due to structural inequities and institutional racism. This is a reminder how critical it is to center racial justice in all of our work.
Harm reduction is more vital than ever.
“We know in our bones that we’ve been here before. Maybe not this exact moment but we’ve been through these kinds of struggles for collective survival. And what have we learned along the way that we can keep tapping into as we’re building our own collective resilience and trying to navigate this together.”
Daniel Raymond (He/Him)
Deputy Director of Planning and Policy
COVID-19 Resources for People Who Use Drugs and Harm Reduction Providers
Created in collaboration with Higher Ground Harm Reduction, Reynolds Health Strategies and Vital Strategies
COVID-19 Stimulant Use and Harm Reduction Tip Sheet
Tips for stimulant-preferring or polydrug users, focusing on amphetamines, cocaine and crack cocaine.
Fear COVID-19? Current US Drug Policy Spreads It
US drug policy increases the spread of COVID-19 to people who use drugs and other marginalized groups. Understand how in this article by NHRC and the Drug Policy Alliance.
Virtual Office Hours
Our work thrives on connection. While the National Harm Reduction Offices are closed, we’re hosting virtual office hours for folks who need to connect with us.
If you have questions or answers about the impact of COVID-19 on harm reduction programs, syringe service programs, or outreach work for people who use drugs, engage in sex work or are vulnerable to structural violence, share your voice.
Resources We Love Created by Organizations We Respect
It takes all hands to respond to this crisis. We’ve cultivated a small collection of great COVID-19 resources created by other groups focused on harm reduction work.