Harm Reduction
Harm reduction is a spectrum of practical strategies and ideas that are used to reduce negative consequences associated with drug use, including infectious disease transmission and death. The Health Department supports the implementation of harm reduction strategies, understanding the importance of engaging high-risk populations to provide health services and access to treatment resources. The Health Department operates a robust Overdose Response Program and is in the process of bringing a Syringe Services Program to County residents through Maryland Department of Health funding.
Overdose Response Program
Educating the community about how to respond in the event of an opioid overdose is critical and promotion of the Overdose Response Program (ORP) has been prioritized. A component of this program includes teaching participants how to administer Narcan® (naloxone), a medication that is used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. To increase community access to ORP and Narcan®, the Health Department hosts two bi-monthly, drop-in classes, on the first Tuesday and last Thursday of each month. Participants learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of opioid overdose and how to use Narcan® nasal spray. This training is free to those who live, work or study in Howard County.
| 2018 ORP Trainings | Individuals Trained |
|---|---|
| Howard County Health Department | 1,746 |
| Howard County Department of Fire & Rescue Services | 880 |
In the Spring of 2018, Howard County’s Department of Fire & Rescue Services began offering optional Narcan® training through their community CPR/first aid classes. Individuals who opt into the training are briefed on the signs and symptoms of opioid overdose and how to properly respond. Following the training, participants receive a voucher to obtain Narcan® through the Health Department.
Public Education Campaigns
The Health Department has taken the lead on developing and disseminating multiple public education campaigns with varying objectives, ranging from promoting safe storage and disposal of prescription medications to encouraging people to learn how to use the lifesaving medication, Narcan®.
Campaigns were distributed via social media, flyers, mall posters, mailers, bus ads and movie theaters. Valuing the community’s feedback on marketing campaigns, the Health Department administered a survey to measure awareness of and elicit feedback on the various campaigns to inform future opioid-communication initiatives. Summary highlights are shown below:
| Campaign | Purpose | Survey Findings |
|---|---|---|
 | To encourage people to attend HCHD Overdose Response Program to learn how to administer Narcan | • About 50% of respondents recognized the campaign • Most viewed on social media • Most positively received campaign • Image was eye catching, informative and to the point |
 | To promote the safe storage and disposal of prescription medications | • 23% respondent recognition • Subject matter was considered important, but some found the language off-putting |
 | To encourage individuals seeking treatment for substance use disorder to learn how to use Narcan | • 71.4% respondent recognition, most viewing on social media • Had shock factor |
 | To inform the public of the Good Samaritan Law | • 22% respondent recognition • People liked hearing a real story • Limited distribution |