Harm Reduction Program
The Harm Reduction Program is a community-based public health program that provides comprehensive services to reduce the harms of drug use, including:
- Fentanyl test strips
- HIV and hepatitis C testing and linkage to care, along with resources and education related to overdose prevention, first aid and safer sex
- Immunizations referrals
- Nurse consultation
- Overdose education and naloxone
- Peer support
- Referrals to substance use disorder treatment, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, reproductive health and other medical/social services
- Sterile syringes and other injection equipment, along with the proper disposal of used syringes, to help reduce the spread of HIV and viral hepatitis among people who use drugs
- Syringe exchange
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
| Program Locations | Days and Times |
|---|---|
| Baltimore Highlands—Lansdowne Health Center 3902 Annapolis Road Baltimore, Maryland 21227 | First and third Thursday 8:30 a.m. to noon |
| Drumcastle Government Center 6401 York Road, Third Floor Baltimore, Maryland 21212 | Mondays through Fridays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Dundalk Health Center 7700 Dunmanway Baltimore, Maryland 21222 | Every other Friday 1 to 4 p.m. |
| Eastern Family Resource Center 9150 Franklin Square Drive, Third Floor Baltimore, Maryland 21237 | Mondays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. |
| Liberty Family Resource Center 3525 Resource Drive Randallstown, Maryland 21133 | Second and fourth Monday 5 to 7 p.m |
| Woodlawn Health Center 6901 Security Boulevard, Suite 1 Baltimore, Maryland 21207 | Third Wednesday 5 to 7 p.m. |
SERVICES FOR THE COMMUNITY
SHARPS DISPOSAL
Used needles and syringes can be a health risk unless they are stored in a puncture-resistant container before disposal. Bottles made of heavy plastic with screw-on caps, such as detergent or fabric softener bottles, are best because they are strong and have spouts that make it harder for syringes to spill out. To avoid unnecessary needle sticks, place the following items into a closed plastic container for disposal:
- Lancets
- Needles
- Razor blades
- Syringes
- Any other sharp object that could cut someone
Fill these containers until they are no more than two-thirds full. All bags, bottles and cans with medical waste should be closed securely and put out with regular trash. Do not recycle these items.
COMMUNITY CLEAN-UPS
Call 410-887-2437 to arrange a community clean-up in your area to safely remove broken glass, needles, syringes and other trash from public areas.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Learn more about:
- Syringe services programs in HIV prevention
- The national Harm Reduction Coalition