In July 2021, four states discovered a variety of policy and programmatic approaches to improve the medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) landscape. The four states were able to pilot interagency collaborations, launch training and education curricula and explore innovative solutions around screening, treatments and case management.

While many medical professionals promote an abstinence-based approach to discussing drug use, offering tools and education around safer drug use supports patient health if they continue to use drugs. Harm reduction is the moral foundation and root practice of offering these tools and services. View this guide from the CA ED Bridge Program on how to establish a harm reduction program in your hospital and easily access related resources.

The California Department of Public Health Overdose Prevention Initiative (CDPH OPI) shares recommendations and resources to statewide partners in response to increases in drug overdoses statewide. Each recommendation lists resources by partner type (public safety, public health departments, community-based organizations, health care providers and settings, harm reduction organizations, medical examiners and coroners, and public health and forensic laboratories). Identify your partner type and review the resources for local overdose prevention and response implementation. The CDPH OPI team will continue to update this webpage with new information and resources as needed.

NEXTDistro is an online and mail-based harm reduction service designed to reduce opioid overdose death, prevent injection-related disease transmission, and improve the lives of people who use drugs.

Philomena Kebec emphasizes the relationship between trauma and incarceration, specifically the lack of support given to those who have historically been oppressed.

This video describes the role that harm reduction plays in reducing rates of substance use disorder, and how they can make a difference when health care interventions alone are not enough.

This short video shows a flyer that the Northern Sierra Coalition used to get information out about pain medications and naloxone.

Dr. Willis discusses what strategies to use to lower the opioid supply and to safely manage chronic pain. He also addresses the steps of recovery for those who are experiencing opioid use disorder.

Dr. Grover discusses how doctors can reduce the opioid supply and use safer prescribing methods for chronic pain.

This video discusses strategies to effectively reduce the opioid supply.

The Overdose Prevention Initiative (OPI) team has created a Fentanyl Test Strips (FTS) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s). This resource is located on the Substance and Addiction Prevention Branch page listed under: Publications and on the fentanyl resource page listed under: Why is fentanyl dangerous.

From the start, patients like Richard (Ricky) Dominguez gravitated toward the telehealth counseling service, which they found much more accessible than in-person services. Dominguez, 26, has been battling substance use disorder since he was twelve. At the emergency room at a local hospital, he was referred to KCS, which, he says, “was a godsend.”

This fact sheet covers the main discussion points and answered questions from the COPN webinar “Naloxone Supply in California.”

This fact sheet answers frequently asked questions about fentanyl, buprenorphine, and the impact fentanyl has on overdose prevention efforts.

Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use. Harm Reduction is also a movement for social justice built on a belief in, and respect for, the rights of people who use drugs.

Harm reduction strategies and tools should be accessible to everyone – regardless of location, time and or experience. National Harm Reduction Coalition offers a series of self-paced online learning modules that groups and individuals can complete on their own schedule and terms – anytime, anywhere.

The National Harm Reduction Coalition (NHRC) offers evidence-based strategies that reduce the risk of dying from an overdose. It aims to support people who use drugs, and the people who love people who use drugs, with information to mitigate the risk of an overdose and to stop an overdose while it’s happening.

Most overdose deaths are preventable, but the "tough on crime" rhetoric of the decades-long drug war and the stigma associated with drug use have blocked the widespread adoption of life-saving overdose prevention and treatment policies. The Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) is leading the national effort to reduce drug overdose deaths by promoting sensible, evidence-based solutions at the state and federal level.

This video offers a new perspective on the effects of fentanyl on the brain, and how fentanyl has changed the landscape of overdose prevention.

Learn about New York's Project COPE, which focuses on harm reduction and how you can help prevent overdoses in your community.