Harm Reduction Resources

Twin Cities Programs

Twin Cities Syringe Service Programs

Twin Cities Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Resources

Twin Cities Addiction Counseling Resources

Handbook of the Streets Minneapolis 2022-2023, Saint Paul 2020-2021

Header reading "xylazine/tranq"

Xylazine or “Tranq” is a veterinary sedative currently being cut into the drug supply to extends the effects of drugs like fentanyl.

Linked to an increase in overdose deaths, it is not an opioid. If you suspect an overdose, still administer naloxone.

Xylazine can cause wounds that do not heal on their own, in addition to other serious complications. Test strips are available to check your drugs for xylazine at some clinics and syringe service programs.

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)
Education

Safer Consumption Sites are hygienic places where people can use pre-obtained drugs. At the site, people who use drugs (PWUD) can be monitored for overdoses, seek first aid, get access to safer use supplies, counseling, or treatment, and find resources for other supports including food banks, drop-in centers, and shelter. Learn more here.

Safer Supply Services provide prescribed medications as an alternative to drugs bought on the street. Safer supply services help prevent overdoses and decrease 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

Fentanyl Facts

National Resources

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).

Urban Survivors Union – Drug use and sex work harm reduction advocacy, education, and support

Resource Directory – Drug Policy Alliance

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

Header reading "Safer Use Guides"

Guide to Safer Meth SmokingNorthpoint, 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

Guide for safer hot rails – NEXT Distro

Safer Inhaling Guide – Ontario Harm Reduction Network

Wound Care Resources

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

Minnesota Laws

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.

Read more here.