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Hacks for Defining Your Physical Parameters

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Multiple harm reduction leaders talked about the importance of developing a sense of the physical parameters of your site.

This refers to the amount of territory around you that you’re willing to be responsible for in terms of cleanliness and/or de-escalation.

Many leaders said that, for physical locations, the block around them was about the only space that they felt like they could be responsible for, and some even limited it to outside their front door, or just a few feet away from their site. For leaders providing mobile services, those parameters were most reasonably set at “within sight range”.

It’s up to you to decide what you want those parameters to be, but you should do that upfront and advise harm reduction leaders. That way your community can be on the same page about what is, and is not, your responsibility.

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 Community Member Agreements

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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.
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