Title : Saving lives: The essentials of harm reduction, overdose prevention, and drug screening
Abstract:
Whether you’re a physician, scientist, public health professional, or community advocate, this session will provide you with powerful, actionable tools to save lives through overdose prevention. As the opioid crisis continues to devastate communities across the United States, equipping professionals with harm reduction strategies is more critical than ever. This session will offer essential knowledge on the core principles of harm reduction, hands-on naloxone training, and methods for screening for life-threatening substances like fentanyl and xylazine. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the structural and social factors that contribute to substance use, as well as the barriers that often prevent individuals from accessing life-saving resources.
The discussion will be grounded in real-world experiences, following the creation of a volunteer group based in Kensington, Philadelphia—one of the hardest-hit areas by addiction in the country. Through firsthand accounts and discussion of evidence-based treatments, attendees will gain insight into how harm reduction strategies have been successfully implemented on the ground, making a tangible impact on public health. This session will highlight the challenges, successes, and ongoing efforts of harm reduction initiatives, demonstrating the power of grassroots advocacy in shaping policy and saving lives.
Beyond theory, this session will empower attendees with practical skills and knowledge that can be applied in their professional and community settings. Participants will walk away with a comprehensive understanding of evidence-based strategies that directly address the overdose crisis. They will learn to define harm reduction, explain its significance, and recognize its application in various settings. Additionally, they will develop the ability to administer naloxone, the life-saving opioid overdose reversal medication, and implement harm reduction-based initiatives designed to reduce drug overdose fatalities and improve public health outcomes.
By the end of this session, attendees will be prepared to take meaningful action, advocate for harm reduction policies, and contribute to a more effective, compassionate response to the overdose crisis. Through direct intervention, advocacy, or outreach, participants will be equipped to create lasting change in their communities and beyond.
