Harm Reduction Resources

Xylazine, also known as “Tranq,” is a veterinary sedative that is being mixed into drugs like fentanyl. It is not an opioid, but if you suspect an overdose, still use naloxone.

Xylazine can cause wounds, heavy sedation, and other serious health issues. Some clinics and syringe service programs offer test strips to check if your drugs contain xylazine.

Xylazine Info Sheet – National Harm Reduction Coalition.

Xylazine in Minnesota – Minnesota Department of Health

Responding to Xylazine in the Drug Supply Webinar – National Harm Reduction Coalition (November 2022)

Safer Consumption Sites reduce the risks of drug use by offering sterile, medically supervised places for people to use their own drugs. At these sites, people who use drugs are monitored for overdoses, get first aid, access safer use supplies, and receive additional resources like case management, treatment connection, and help with housing and basic needs. They may also be called “Overdose Prevention Centers” or “Safe Recovery Sites”. Learn more here.

Safer Supply Services offer prescribed medications as a safer alternative to drugs bought on the street. Programs like heroin buyer’s clubs and Drug User Liberation Front have shown the effective and life-saving power of these programs. Safer supply services help prevent overdoses and reduce legal involvement in the lives of people who use drugs.

Legal Recognition and Safer Supply of Drugs

Imagine Safe Supply, Summary of Findings in Canada – International Drug Policy Consortium

The impact of an unsanctioned compassion club on non-fatal overdose – International Journal of Drug Policy

Fentanyl Facts

What is Harm Reduction?

Youth-Centered Harm Reduction Resources – StreetWorks’ resource guide

US Map of all Syringe Service Programs – NASEN

Drug testing supplies – DanceSafe

National Community-Based Naloxone Finder – National Harm Reduction Coalition

Never Use Alone Nationwide Hotline: 877-696-1996

The Brave App: Brave is a free, anonymous phone app that connects you to a Brave Supporter if you have to use alone. If you become unresponsive, the Supporter will follow a rescue plan you set (such as call my roommate, call 911, or call my roommate and 911).

Drug User Unions – Drug use and sex work harm reduction advocacy, education, and support

Resource Directory – Drug Policy Alliance

Pregnancy and Substance Use: A Harm Reduction Toolkit – National Harm Reduction Coalition

Drug Duration Calculator – Information on how long the effects of different drugs last, and how long they stay in the body

Guide to Safer Meth Smoking – Northpoint, In n’ Out SSP

Guide to Safer Crack Smoking – Northpoint, In n’ Out SSP

How to wash your meth in acetone – Northpoint, In n’ Out SSP

Safer Inhaling Guide – Ontario Harm Reduction Network

Safer Foil Smoking – CATIE

Basics of Safer Injecting – National Harm Reduction Coalition

Getting Off Right: A Safety Manual for Injection Drug Users – National Harm Reduction Coalition

Safe(r) Drug Use 101 – National Harm Reduction Coalition

Finding Veins – Peer Based Harm Reduction Washington

Safer Snorting – CATIE

Xylazine Test Strip Instructions – Steve Rummler HOPE Network

Fentanyl Test Strip Information – Steve Rummler HOPE Network

Gender Affirming Harm Reduction, A Toolkit for SSPs – Lighthouse Learning Collective

Wound Care & Medical Triage for People Who Use Drugs – National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD)

Healthcare for the Homeless – Hennepin County Minnesota

Minnesota Community Care – Ramsey County Minnesota

An introductory guide to assessing and understanding common wounds with people who use drugs – NEXT distro

HIV Facts – a zine from Southside Harm Reduction

Recommendations for Caring for Xylazine Wounds – Philadelphia Department of Health

Paraphernalia: Minnesota legalized possession and distribution of drug paraphernalia such as bongs, pipes, foil, syringes, and needles. Additionally, any drug residue within these items is also decriminalized. All testing supplies–like fentanyl or xylazine test strips–are legalized.

Read the law here.

Steve’s Law: A person overdosing and one person who stays and calls 911 for help are granted limited immunity from prosecution for using or possessing drugs (up to 3 grams). They are not protected from outstanding warrants or other illegal behaviors, and it doesn’t apply to other bystanders.

Read the law here.

Cannabis: Minnesota residents 21 and older can possess up to two ounces of marijuana flower in public, and up to two pounds in private. This also automatically expunges some marijuana convictions while setting up a review board for others. The expunging will not be immediate and may take many months.