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Berrien County Health Department to launch Harm Reduction Program offering naloxone, testing strips and syringe services
Summary
Health Officer Candi Gabrielse announced a Harm Reduction Program that will include naloxone distribution and training, fentanyl testing strips, needs-based syringe services, wound care and linkage to treatment, aimed at reducing overdose deaths and infectious disease.
Health Officer Candi Gabrielse told the board the department is preparing to launch a Harm Reduction Program in partnership with local healthcare providers, recovery organizations and community stakeholders. The program will provide recovery pathway coordination and warm handoffs to treatment, naloxone distribution and training, fentanyl testing strip distribution, needs-based syringe services, basic wound care for injection-related injuries, and testing and linkage to care for HIV, hepatitis C and other STIs.
Gabrielse said the program is designed to reduce overdose deaths, prevent infectious disease and connect individuals to recovery services. The board received the program announcement as part of routine health-officer updates and staff indicated partnerships and implementation plans are underway.
