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Hacks for Youth Participants

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Like kids at site, the first thing to know about youth participants (12-18) is that most harm reduction workers are not mandatory reporters. This is not true of harm reduction workers who also happen to have certain kinds of licensure; however most people who work at harm reduction programs are not mandatory reporters, which allows them the discretion to not report if they see children in mandated reporting situations.

The knowledge that young people are using drugs would typically be such a situation. However, harm reduction organizations are not beholden to that standard. Instead, youth should absolutely be offered the most intensive services. Special referrals, education, and support should be offered to anyone under 18.

This very much includes drug education. These are the people that it is most critical to share information with around safer drug use so that they can set good habits as they move through their drug use and hopefully beyond.

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 and Workplace Safety

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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.
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Hacks for Reaching Affirmation & Accord

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One of the main goals of active listening with an agitated person is reaching affirmation and accord. You are looking to try and find ways to agree with the person who is agitated. Even if you don’t entirely agree with the person, try to find at least a small way in which they may be right, or in which you can be on the same page, or team, with them.
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