Harm reduction is an approach that emphasizes engaging directly with people who use drugs to prevent overdose and infectious disease transmission, improve the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of those served, and offer low-threshold options for accessing substance use disorder treatment and other health care services. The lack of resource’s  in the Grand Forks Community and knowing how many individuals struggle with substance use disorder   Within our community is what has inspired me to start a petition to  begin the process of opening up Grand Fork’s First Drug Harm reduction center. The U.S. is experiencing the most significant substance use and overdose epidemic it has ever faced, exacerbated by a worldwide pandemic, and driven by the proliferation of highly potent synthetic opioids containing primarily fentanyl and other analogues. The epidemic has reached our very small town and is effecting family’s, friend's, neighbor's and  multiple other individuals in the community. 

Harm reduction is part of the continuum of care. Harm reduction approaches have proven to prevent death, injury, disease, overdose, and substance misuse. Harm reduction is effective in addressing the public health epidemic involving substance use as well as infectious disease and other harms associated with drug use. Specifically, harm reduction services can: 

Connect individuals to overdose education, counseling, and referral to treatment for infectious diseases and substance use disorders.

Distribute opioid overdose reversal medications (e.g., naloxone) to individuals at risk of overdose, or to those who might respond to an overdose.
Lessen harms associated with drug use and related behaviors that increase the risk of infectious diseases, including HIV, viral hepatitis, and bacterial and fungal infections.

Reduce infectious disease transmission among people who use drugs, including those who inject drugs by equipping them with accurate information and facilitating referral to resources.

Provide 24/7 Access for those who are struggling with mental health issues, SUD or Dual Diagnosis. 

Please take the time to learn more about harm reduction  and consider signing this petition for Grand forks to have  its very own harm reduction center.