Harm Reduction Services Program

Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies designed to reduce potential personal and public harms associated with drug use. The goal of harm reduction is to save lives and protect the health of people who use substances and preserve the integrity of their communities.

The County is initiating a Harm Reduction Services Program using a mobile unit. Locations for services were chosen based upon a review of multiple data sources to determine areas of greatest unmet need. The County of San Diego also conducted a Community Readiness Assessment in several areas to better understand knowledge, attitudes, and recommendations for service delivery. See our Community Readiness Assessment for more information.

The primary goals of this program include:

1. Reduce transmission of HIV, hepatitis C, and other blood-borne infectious diseases among people who inject drugs, sexual partner(s) and drug sharing networks, and the larger community.
2. Decrease the number of fatal overdoses among people who inject drugs.
3. Increase the number of syringes that are safely and securely discarded in the community.
4. Increase community understanding of the health and social benefits associated with substance use treatment and harm reduction services.
5. Improve the quality of life of people who inject drugs in underserved communities by increasing access to social support services, medical care, and the continuum of evidence-based harm reduction services and substance use treatment.

Services include:

• Health and risk-reduction education
• Sterile syringe services and used syringe disposal
• Naloxone and fentanyl & xylazine test strips
• Safer smoking and sex supplies
• HIV and HCV testing & linkage to treatment
• Linkage to substance use treatment, mental health services, housing support, self-sufficiency services, and other needed services

We would like to hear from the community to ensure we address concerns as they arise, develop appropriate communications, and meet the needs of all county residents.

You can get involved in this process by:

• Reviewing the information on this site
• Sharing information with your communities
• Participating in the engagement tools on this site
• Asking questions here
• Emailing us directly at PHS-HRSP.HHSA@sdcounty.ca.gov