North Central Ohio Harm Reduction

04/02/2026

Join North Central Ohio Harm Reduction on April 24 at 5PM for our monthly meeting at The 101 Tea Company (101 N. Main St, Mansfield, OH)—a great chance to connect, learn, and be part of something meaningful.

Then stick around as we head out for street distribution at 5:30PM to put harm reduction into action!

Come hang out, meet some amazing people, and help support our community—we can’t wait to see you ✨

03/31/2026

03/31/2026

We at North Central Ohio Harm Reduction offer FREE Narcan, test strips, & education on how to use. Message us if you need any of these!

03/31/2026

Fentanyl Test Strips

These are an inexpensive way to help prevent drug overdoses and reduce harm. They’re “small strips of paper that can detect the presence of fentanyl in all different kinds of drugs (co***ne, methamphetamine, he**in, etc.) and drug forms (pills, powder, and injectables).”5 It’s important to note that fentanyl testing strips don’t guarantee that the substance being tested contains no fentanyl; users must test individual amounts of drugs (for example, each pill, or separate amounts of powder). Still, these test strips can provide people who use drugs with more information to increase their safety

03/23/2026

What is safe usage?
Safe Syringe Programs
This is a public health strategy for people who inject drugs. These programs attempt to reduce diseases – like HIV infection, viral hepatitis, and other blood-borne infections – by promoting the use of new or sterile needles for each injection. Core services include syringe distribution and disposal options, while expanded services improve the health and well-being of people who use drugs. Ideally, both core and expanded services would be provided in the community.4
Fentanyl Testing Strips
These are an inexpensive way to help prevent drug overdoses and reduce harm. They’re “small strips of paper that can detect the presence of fentanyl in all different kinds of drugs (co***ne, methamphetamine, he**in, etc.) and drug forms (pills, powder, and injectables).”5 It’s important to note that fentanyl testing strips don’t guarantee that the substance being tested contains no fentanyl; users must test individual amounts of drugs (for example, each pill, or separate amounts of powder). Still, these test strips can provide people who use drugs with more information to increase their safety.

03/22/2026

What is Narcan?
“Narcan is a life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids – including he**in, fentanyl, and prescription opioid medications – when given [to an overdosing person] in time.”

We at NCOHR can apply you with Narcan for free. We can also train you & tour groups how to safely administer Narcan.

03/19/2026

Using alone increases the risk of fatal overdose.

If you’re going to use, call the Never Use Alone Hotline first.

📞 877-696-1996
A volunteer will stay on the phone with you and call for help if needed.

03/15/2026

Myth #5: Harm reduction prevents people who use drugs from recovery.

Fact: Harm reduction prevents overdose, connects people to healthcare services, reduces risk of disease transmission, and improves the health and happiness of others—all of which increases the likelihood of entering the stage of long-term recovery. The main goal of harm reduction is to keep people as safe and as healthy as possible, which gives them the possibility and opportunity to start a recovery journey.

03/12/2026

03/09/2026

Myth #4: Harm reduction services waste taxpayer money by allowing people to use drugs.

Fact: Studies show that harm reduction can save taxpayers money by reducing costs associated with HIV transmission and related deaths. Read more about the benefits harm reduction has on saving money.