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Hacks for Continuing Services During an Escalated Event

The decision as to whether or not you are able to continue services during an escalated event is incredibly important and should be given thought before such an event takes place.

Try to develop a list of “If, then” scenarios to determine in advance how you might respond. Be forewarned that most likely your exact scenarios will never happen and certainly not exactly as planned. However, leaders shared that the exercise of thinking through these issues will better position you to respond effectively when events do escalate.

 

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. 

Though not all harm reduction organizations or programs are in need of universal precautions or OSHA considerations, most are. It’s important when setting up a harm reduction space to take into consideration the important and real risks of harm reduction work. This includes the potential for entry and exposure to blood-borne pathogens as well as airborne pathogens.
Community member agreements are shared agreements regarding behavior expected of everyone who participates in a harm reduction site or service. The primary rule all harm reduction leaders talked about was the need to treat everyone with respect.