Skip to main content

Hacks for Service Management During an Escalated Event

It can be difficult or impossible to manage services during an escalated event. Therefore, it is important for everyone on the team to understand that they have a role when there is an escalated event, and sometimes that role is maintaining services or, alternatively, depending on the extremity of the event, shutting down services in an orderly manner.

There are no real hacks here other than to discuss, discuss, discuss—have a plan in place for what will happen in the event that various kinds of escalated situations occur, and make sure that part of those plans include how to manage services during such an event.

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. 

Generally, it’s important to use “person first language” when describing people who are marginalized due to some part of their identity being stigmatized, such as folks struggling with their substance use, people who do sex work, and folks living outside.
Because so many of us are so similar to the folks we serve, including the trauma we carry with us, and because it is now recognized that extreme stress impacts people who care for people experiencing that trauma nearly as much as the people directly impacted by that trauma, it is essential that people in […]