In a significant stride for public health and community safety, Governor Murphy’s Administration continues its steadfast commitment to delivering comprehensive harm reduction services across New Jersey. These harm reduction centers (HRCs) offer evidence-informed, community-based solutions aimed at reducing the physical and social harms associated with drug use, all without stigma or judgment.
What are Harm Reduction Services? Harm reduction services are pivotal in mitigating risks and harm associated with addiction while enhancing the overall well-being of affected individuals and communities. These proven public health interventions not only improve the health and safety of individuals but also positively impact their families and communities at large. By offering an array of interventions, including access to clean needles, overdose prevention education (including naloxone distribution), HIV and hepatitis C testing, as well as counseling, treatment, and social support services, harm reduction centers serve as lifelines for those grappling with addiction.
Bridging Gaps in Healthcare: Beyond immediate harm reduction measures, these centers also play a crucial role in linking individuals who use drugs to essential health services, thereby preventing and treating conditions such as HIV, hepatitis C, and skin or tissue infections. By fostering trust between individuals and their healthcare providers, HRCs facilitate a continuum of care that significantly reduces new HIV and hepatitis C infections in communities.
Legislative Support and Expansion: Recent legislative endeavors have paved the way for the expansion of harm reduction centers in New Jersey. These initiatives include funding allocations for harm reduction programs, the removal of legal barriers hindering access to these services, and the implementation of policies to ensure the safety and efficacy of harm reduction centers. As part of the department’s expansion efforts, new sites—both mobile and fixed—will be established, alongside the enhancement of services at existing centers.
Learn More: New Jersey’s Harm Reduction Centers are at the forefront of combating the opioid crisis and curbing the spread of HIV and hepatitis C. To discover more about these vital initiatives and the pivotal role they play in safeguarding communities, stay informed and connected with New Jersey’s Harm Reduction Centers.
