Pennsylvania health organizations advocate for harm reduction

Fifteen people died each day as a result of a drug overdose last year according to state statistics. The Pennsylvania Department of Health reports that so far in 2023 there have been almost 2,000 estimated drug overdose deaths. Statewide organizations are trying to help those suffering from substance use disorders by providing harm reduction programs. The CDC defines harm reduction as a public health approach that focuses on minimizing the adverse effects of drug use. It can involve providing access to sterile syringes, naloxone distribution, fentanyl testing, overdose prevention and education, including safer drug use education, and other activities.

“Harm reduction is an evidence-based tool in our arsenal to fight substance abuse disorders," said Rosalie Danchanko, executive director at Highlands Health. "It is something that is very important for us to use in helping our patients.”