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Harm Reduction and Syringe Service Programs

Harm reduction Website header
Harm reduction Website header

Michigan's Harm Reduction Program

Harm reduction is a public health approach using practical strategies to reduce harm and improve well-being, recognizing that every step towards safety and wellness matters. It meets people where they are, empowering them to prevent overdose and adopt practice in a way that honors their autonomy and dignity.


Harm reduction is a set of public health strategies that empowers people who use drugs with the choice to live a healthy, self-directed life. Harm Reduction focuses on reducing the harm associated with drug use while recognizing that all people deserve safety and dignity.

Harm Reduction Agencies (HRA) are also known as Syringe Service Programs (SSP) and can also be known as Syringe Exchange Programs (SEP), Syringe Access Programs (SAP), and Needle Exchange Programs (NEP). They are a key component in a comprehensive harm reduction strategy.

These programs have been proven to reduce the harms of substance use to the individual and to the community. SSPs reconnect marginalized community members to their community and empower people to make positive changes in their lives. Syringe service programs focus on building relationships and provide people access to other vital services.