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De-Escalation Resources

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De-escalation is more than a set of techniques—it’s a practice grounded in care, communication, and situational awareness. These tools, guides, and trainings support the development of calmer, safer environments for staff and participants alike.

Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities (COE-NF) and the COE-NF Toolkit a project of SAMHSA

Crisis Prevention Institute and their Resource Library

Right Response and their free e-book De-escalate Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime:

Unplug the Power Struggle with Principle-Based De-escalation

Powershift De-Escalation Guide

The American Organization for Nursing leadership, AONL has a Guide to Mitigating Workplace Violence

Joint Commission has a Guide to De-Escalation in Healthcare

Books

Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life, Marshall B. Rosenberg

Other sets of external resources including toolkits, practical guides, and deep-dive materials on topics like de-escalation, mental health support, participant accountability, overdose response, and more:

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. 

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Hacks

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Though largely unsupported by scientific evidence, the dangers of needle stick injury loom large in the popular imagination. As a result, the emotional response to needle stick injury can be intense even if, statistically, the risks are quite low. For this reason, if no other, it’s essential that harm reduction organizations be prepared for how they might deal with such an eventuality.
Read this Hack

Personal Boundaries

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The most important first step when it comes to preventing escalated situations is having a good sense of personal and professional boundaries when doing the work.
Read this Hack