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Hacks for System Building & “Proceduralization”

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“Proceduralization” is a term coined by harm reductionist Haley Coles to describe the process of creating and, critically, writing down exact protocols for a variety of different tasks and services. These are step-by-step written instructions for how to do everything in the space, from passing out supplies to cleaning the restroom.

The front-end labor on system building is not insignificant, but the time, energy, and effort that this will save is invaluable, especially in any escalated situation where having procedures in accessible, documented places will make everything go much more smoothly.

One tip that long-term harm reduction leaders have for this is to make it a part of weekly meetings and to delegate responsibility for proceduralizing different tasks to the person most familiar with those tasks.

Featured Hacks

These featured hacks highlight creative, practical solutions from harm reduction leaders on the ground. From DIY tools to clever workarounds, each one reflects the ingenuity, care, and real-world experience that keeps this movement alive. 

Universal Precautions: Gloves

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Medical gloves should be worn whenever handling exposed or used supplies, especially those that might be used to prepare or use injection drugs such as syringes, cottons, cookers, tourniquets, and ascorbic acid. Gloves should be changed often, especially between activities or participants.
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Hacks for Empathetic Active Listening

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Once you have grounded yourself during an escalated situation, next engage in active listening with the person who is agitated. This can seem counterintuitive or difficult when you are dealing with somebody who is, for example, screaming at you, and it may feel like you’re rewarding them for being completely irrational. But it is key to getting them more centered and grounded so they’re less agitated and less likely to become a danger to themselves or others.
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