One of the most common reasons shelter clients are admitted to hospitals is for alcohol-related health problems. Shelter staff can help clients reduce the harms of alcohol use through:
Harm reduction education
Offering referrals to alcohol treatment and support resources
Learning first aid for seizures, a symptom of alcohol withdrawal
See more information below.
Client Education Resource:
Learning About High-Risk Alcohol Use
The "Learning About High-Risk Alcohol Use" flyer defines high-risk alcohol use, describes the effects of alcohol withdrawal, and lists harm reduction tips and medications that can reduce alcohol use and cravings.
Seizure First Aid Training. January 6 (4 PM).Epilepsy Foundation. Seizures are a significant health problem in shelters due to untreated epilepsy and other seizure-related disorders. Alcohol withdrawal can also lead to seizures. Learn how to respond to a seizure. Register
HOPEline. New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports offers a free and confidential support line 24/7 in English, Spanish, Bengali, Traditional Chinese, Haitian Creole, Korean and Russian (with interpreter services for other languages). Clients can call HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (467369) or text HOPENY (467369).
Peer support. SMART Recovery NYC offers no-cost mutual support meetings. In-person or online, in English or Spanish. Find a SMART Recovery meeting
Medication-assisted treatment. Medication given as pills or injections can help reduce alcohol use and cravings, even for people who continue to drink. (Examples of medications are listed in the "Learning About High-Risk Alcohol Use" flyer.) Clients can speak with their medical provider (or an H+H ExpressCare medical provider by phone or video) to discuss starting treatment for high-risk alcohol use.
Harm Reduction Skills Share
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.
Safety Planning and Care Pathways for People Who Use Drugs. January 21 (12 - 1 PM). With Emma Roberts, Opioid Response Network. Register
Medications for Opioid Use Disorder.January 27 (2 - 3 PM). Register
Methadone Treatment Navigation. February 18 (12 - 1 PM).
Take the online Harm Reduction training anytime on Absorb.
NYC Mental Health Housing 101. January 13 (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.January 14 (2 – 3 PM).Register
Training for Shelter Overdose Prevention Champion Trainer:
Overdose Response and Naloxone Distribution Train the Trainer. January 14 & February 11 (10 AM – Noon). Required for Shelter Overdose Prevention Champions. Register
See the flowchart of roles and responsibilities for Overdose Prevention Champions and Responders
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
