Lewis County Health Department

+1(606)796-2632

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    • Home
    • About Us
      • Who We Are
      • Staff
      • Employment
    • Covid-19
      • Resources
    • Services
      • Clinical
      • Environmental
      • Support
    • Education
      • Emergency Preparedness
      • Hands
      • Nicotine Cessation
      • Diabetes
      • Poison Help
    • Contact Us
    • Community Resources
    • Harm Reduction
    • CHA Survey
Lewis County Health Department

+1(606)796-2632

  • Home
  • About Us
    • Who We Are
    • Staff
    • Employment
  • Covid-19
    • Resources
  • Services
    • Clinical
    • Environmental
    • Support
  • Education
    • Emergency Preparedness
    • Hands
    • Nicotine Cessation
    • Diabetes
    • Poison Help
  • Contact Us
  • Community Resources
  • Harm Reduction
  • CHA Survey

LCHD Harm Reduction Program

WHat is harm reduction?

What is Harm Reduction?

  •  A public health strategy focused on minimizing negative health, social, and legal impacts associated with drug use
  •  Programs and policies designed to keep people safe and reduce the spread of infectious diseases. 
  •  Supportive services that include education, counseling, and access to healthcare. 
  •  A way to improve the overall well-being of individuals and communities. 
  •  Inclusive and non-judgmental, aiming to reduce stigma and discrimination. 

What Harm Reduction isn't.

  • Harm Reduction is not an endorsement of drug use.
  • A replacement for substance use disorder  (SUD)programs
  • Unproven
  • Ignoring peoples root issues

lewis county health department harm reduction program

lewis county health department harm reduction program

lewis county health department harm reduction program

lewis county health department harm reduction program

lewis county health department harm reduction program

lewis county health department harm reduction program

Reducing harm through supplies

Brown Bag Program

The Lewis County Health Department offers Harm Reduction supplies through our brown bag program. The BBP supplies are located in our public restrooms and there are no questions asked. Take what you need. These supplies are offered to help people avoid accidental overdose and reduce the sharing of supplies which spreads infectious diseases like HIV and HEP-C. 

What is in the Brown Bag?

 1. Fentanyl Test Strips (FTS)

  • Purpose: Used to test drugs for the presence of fentanyl, a powerful opioid often found in street drugs. This helps individuals make safer choices and reduce the risk of accidental overdose.

2. Xylazine Test Strips (XTS)

  • Purpose: Used to detect the presence of xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer increasingly found in the illicit drug supply. This helps users avoid potentially dangerous substances.

3. Cotton Pellets

  • Purpose: Sterile cotton pellets are used in the preparation of injecting drugs to filter out impurities. This reduces the risk of infections and other complications.

4. Alcohol Pads

  • Purpose: Used to clean the injection site before use to prevent infections. They are a critical part of maintaining hygiene during drug use.

5. Bandages

  • Purpose: Applied after injection to protect the site and promote healing. They help prevent infection and encourage safer practices.

6. Condoms

  • Purpose: Provided to promote safe sex practices, reducing the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies.

7. Narcan (Naloxone)

  • Purpose: A medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. It can quickly restore normal breathing in someone who has overdosed on opioids, potentially saving their life.

Instructions

Please take the entire bag and use the items as needed. Each component is included to help reduce harm and promote safer practices. If you have any questions or need further assistance, our staff is here to help. 

Narcan Basics Video

This quick video could help you save a life! 

H.O.P.E. COALITION

Creating an equitable tomorrow

Healing. Outreach. Prevention. Education.

 The HOPE Coalition is built on four foundational pillars, each essential to our mission:

1. Healing

  • Health is our most precious asset. Without it, nothing else is possible. Our programs focus on healing, ensuring everyone has access to the care they need.

2. Outreach

  • Awareness is key. We strive to reach out to the community, spreading knowledge about the resources and possibilities available. Without outreach, there can be no hope.

3. Prevention

  • Preventing harm is crucial for promoting health. Our initiatives aim to prevent issues before they arise, fostering a safer and healthier community.

4. Education

  • Knowledge is power. By providing resources and information, we empower individuals to make informed decisions and take control of their well-being.

Join Our Coalition

Consider joining the HOPE Coalition and be part of a community dedicated to health, awareness, prevention, and empowerment. 

Join Now

Reducing Harm Presentation

Download for use with your organization.

A presentation to help reduce stigma based on the C4 Innovations, Georgia Health Policy Center Toolkit. 

Download PDF

Our Harm Reduction Partners

REDUCING OVERDOSES

Download Overdose Information
Download Test Strip Guide
Download Narcan Poster
  • Nicotine Cessation
  • Community Resources
  • CHA Survey

Lewis County Health Department

185 Commercial Drive, Vanceburg, Kentucky 41179

+1(606)796-2632

Copyright © 2024 Lewis County Health Department - All Rights Reserved.

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