Prevention and Risk Reduction

The Bureau’s Prevention and Risk Reduction Division works directly with
communities to reduce and prevent the poor health outcomes associated
with substance use. Prevention and Harm Reduction is divided into
two programs: 

Community Prevention Services

The Bureau's community prevention efforts utilize partnerships with neighborhood-level coalitions to increase knowledge and awareness of substance use, to address environmental barriers to risk reduction and treatment, and to build long-term capacity within Boston neighborhoods for addressing substance abuse.

Risk Reduction and Overdose Prevention

Risk Reduction and Overdose Prevention operates under the philosophy of meeting drug users “where they are at” by focusing on safer drug use, while neither condoning or condemning the use of illegal substances. The program goal is to reduce the negative health consequences associated with drug use, particularly HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, and TB. The program utilizes a range of strategies to keep users engaged in the program, such as safe injection education, needle exchange, and overdose prevention  education using nasal narcan.

    

Prevention Materials
	Opioid Overdose Prevention for Public Safety and Law Enforcement: This group curriculum guides experienced group leaders on implementing overdose prevention training to police officers, non-medical first responders, and security staff. Click here to access the presentation used by staff to accompany this guide.
	Opioid Overdose Prevention for Friends and Family Members:  This group curriculum guides experiencied group leaders on omplementing prevention training for firiends and family members whose loved ones are at risk for overdose. Click here to access the presentation used by staff to accompany this guide.