Harm Reduction 101, Overdose Prevention, Stigma, Outreach, HIV and Hep C, MOUD and Drug Treatment, LGBTQI
Sex Work 101, Syringe Access, Boundaries and Self-care, STI Prevention, Sexual Reproductive Health
To learn more and register, email Hiawatha Collins, Community and Capacity Building Manager, National Harm Reduction Coalition.
Harm Reduction Skills Share for Shelters
Harm reduction skills share sessions offer in-depth exploration of topics like risk reduction counseling, safety planning, and effective treatment referrals. Open to shelter staff who have completed the DHS Harm Reduction Training. Facilitated by Sadat Iqbal, DHS Harm Reduction Consultant.
Upcoming Skills Share Sessions:
Methadone Treatment Navigation. February 18 (12 - 1 PM).
Naloxone, Opioid Withdrawal, Buprenorphine. February 24 (2 - 3 PM).Register
Research Study: Impact of Harm Reduction Initiatives in NYC Shelters
Participate in a Research Interview about the DHS Harm Reduction Strategic Plan NYU School of Medicine researchers are studying the impact of harm reduction (substance use risk reduction) initiatives in NYC shelters and safe havens. They would like to conduct confidential interviews to learn about staff thoughts and experiences with harm reduction over the last three years.
If interested, email the research team or call (646) 580-1748. More information can be found in the research flyer.
Virtual Gathering Space to Navigate Grief
Apply by February 9! Join the 6-month closed group offered by Reframe Health and Justice to help those working in harm reduction move past the isolation of grief and create satellite pathways to community care.
There are two groups:
Harm reduction frontline workers (such as case managers, crisis intervention staff, housing staff)
Harm reduction program management (such as, program managers, staff supervisors)
The group meets first week of the month from March to August 2026. Click here for more info and to apply.
Medetomidine: New Contaminant in Drug Supply
Medetomidine is a medication used by veterinarians to sedate animals. However, it is being found in the drug supply more and more. In humans, medetomidine can cause confusion, muscle twitching, heavy long-lasting sedation (extreme sleepiness), and in some cases, hallucinations.
Responding to overdoses that may involve medetomidine:
Give naloxone. Naloxone can revive a person who has taken an opioid, even when medetomidine is present
Give rescue breaths and open airways by lifting chin, place person in rescue position and monitor after giving naloxone. Medetomidine can cause extreme sleepiness.
Monitor breathing more than responsiveness
Call 911
Reduce harm from substance use:
Counsel clients to carry naloxone and use around others who can help them if they become unconscious
Learn the signs of medetomidine withdrawal and seek emergency services if necessary. Signs of withdrawal include very fast heartbeat and high blood pressure, heavy sweating, shaking or twitching
Take the online Harm Reduction training anytime on Absorb.
NYC Mental Health Housing 101. February 10 (9:30 AM – 12PM).Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS). Gain a comprehensive understanding of the NYC OMH mental health housing spectrum and how to navigate the HRA 2010e application and referral process. Register
Overdose Response and Naloxone Training.February 11 (2 – 3 PM).Register
Mental Health Single Point of Access (SPOA) Training for DHS Shelters. February 24 & May 19 (10 – 11:30 AM).NYC Health Department. How to apply for services such as Shelter Partnered Assertive Community Treatment (SPACT), Intensive Mobile Treatment (IMT) and non-Medicaid Care Coordination. Training is now required for all DHS shelter social service directors and staff submitting SPOA referrals. Register
Talk Saves Lives: Intro to Suicide Prevention for DHS Staff. February 26 & March 26 (12 – 1 PM).American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Learn common risk factors for suicide, how to spot warning signs and engage in critical conversations and connect to resources.Register
Understanding Trauma and Building Positive Environments in Families with Children Shelters. March 4 (3 – 4PM).Register
Training for Shelter Overdose Prevention Champion Trainer:
Overdose Response and Naloxone Distribution Train the Trainer. February 11 & March 11 (10 AM – Noon). Required for Shelter Overdose Prevention Champions. Register
See the flowchart of roles and responsibilities for Overdose Prevention Champions and Responders
One-Time Trainings:
How Mental Health Can Influence Substance Use in Young People. February 11 (1 PM). For parents, caregivers and people who support teens. Register
Perinatal Substance Use Disorders at the Intersection of Mental Health. February 26 (12 - 1:30 PM).NYU McSilver Training and Technical Assistance Centers. Describe intersection of substance use and mental health, learn systems and policies that shape care (CAPTA, CARA, Plans of Safe Care), identify interventions for perinatal populations. Register
Pain Management For People Who Use Opioids. February 19 (4 - 5 PM). Clinical Education Initiative. Describe impact of opioid tolerance on achieving adequate analgesia and opioid/non-opioid pain management medications. Register
Medical and behavioral health urgent care and medications. Online or by phone. 24/7, no out-of-pocket cost for DHS clients.
H+H Safety Net Clinics
Primary and specialty care for people experiencing homelessness. Clinics located at Bellevue, Lincoln, Woodhull, and Elmhurst Hospitals. Learn more and refer.
The NYC Harm Reduction in Shelters Strategic Plan (2023-2024) was developed to build capacity of NYC shelters to prevent overdose and improve health and wellness. Each month, we will share tools and resources to support shelter staff to help clients reduce their risk.
NYC Department of Social Services, 4 World Trade Center, New York, New York 10007, United States
