Medical student-led initiative to incorporate harm reduction into medical school curriculum

The USA remains in the midst of an unprecedented and escalating overdose crisis, with over 100,000 overdose deaths in 2021 alone. Harm Reduction has played a vital role in combatting the overdose crisis and encompasses several strategies to reduce overdose death risk. Ultimately, Harm Reduction aims to reduce negative consequences associated with substance use. Harm Reduction interventions include providing access to sterile syringes, naloxone (medication to reverse opioid overdose) distribution, fentanyl test strip (used to detect the presence of fentanyl in substances) distribution, and supporting people who use substances (PWUS) with options beyond abstinence. Upholding respect for PWUS and their rights is foundational to the conceptual and practical frameworks of Harm Reduction, serving as a countermeasure to the stigma PWUS consistently face. Provider attitudes and knowledge on the management of substance use disorder (SUD) is an important determinant of health for PWUS, who represent a uniquely vulnerable population.

doi.org/10.1007/s40596-023-01768-8 PMID: 36952216