What We Do
NCHRF is a growing coalition of non-profit organizations, service providers, academics, and activists that have come together to form a national voice requesting $15 billion of federal funding over 4 years to fund low-threshold Harm Reduction services.
What is Harm Reduction?
Harm Reduction is an umbrella term for evidence-based practices and interventions that reduce the harms associated with drug use. This framework does not minimize the dangers associated with substance use but does recognize factors such as poverty, class and social isolation, trauma and mental health that influence health behaviors. The goal of Harm Reduction does not rely on abstinence from drugs but its goal is for people who use drugs to use in a way that keeps themselves and their communities safe.
FAQ
What are the requirements for joining the NCHRF coalition?
The coalition is free and open to organizations whose work relates to harm reduction to join. We are committed to the highest standards of ethical responsibility from our members and we expect that coalition members maintain a similar commitment to racial equality.
What about individuals who support harm reduction or whose work relates to harm reduction?
Individuals are welcome to endorse our sign-on letters, attend our meetings, and participate in our online discussion group. However, formal coalition membership is limited to organizations whose work relates to harm reduction.
Are coalition members financially compensated?
NCHRF is primarily a volunteer-run organization. Coalition members are not financially compensated by NCHRF. Other than one paid part-time staff member, coalition work is performed in-kind by dedicated harm reductionists.
How can I join the NCHRF coalition?
Sign up to join at https://www.nchrf.com/join-our-coalition. After a brief application process, the campaign organizers will add you to our Google Group, which is NCHRF’s main channel for coalition-wide communications.
Why is NCHRF needed?
Studies show that 80% of people with substance use issues are not receiving treatment and may not have any intention of ever seeking treatment. This population often faces challenges such as high-barrier health services, overdose, unstable housing, and employment-related issues. However, under the current funding model, federal funding goes mainly towards treatment and prevention. NCHRF’s work addresses this funding gap. Our advocacy is focused on funding the services needed by people who use drugs who are not receiving or possibly even seeking treatment.
Does NCHRF support coercive treatment?
NCHRF opposes coercive treatments of any kind. We support a Harm Reduction-centered approach to drug or substance use disorder, which centers around personal agency and bodily autonomy in regards to health-related decisions.
Does NCHRF receive any money from the federal government?
NCHRF does not receive any money from the federal government and will not receive any of the $30M allocated towards harm reduction in the American Rescue Plan. Our operating budget comes solely from foundational grants and personal donations.
Does NCHRF decide which organizations will receive federal funding?
NCHRF does not have any input or discretion on which organizations will receive funding from the federal government as part of the American Rescue Plan. These funding decisions are made by government agencies, as stated in the legislation. However, we do advocate for funding to be awarded to low-threshold, community-based non-profit organizations performing harm reduction services such as syringe services, overdose prevention and substance use education (please see – and endorse – our sign-on letter).
Is NCHRF a grant-making organization?
No, NCHRF is not a grant making organization. See below for details on how the funds from the American Rescue Plan will be disbursed by the federal government.
Who is eligible to receive Harm Reduction funds from the American Rescue Plan?
Federal Harm Reduction funds will be administered through the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use (SAMHSA) and in consultation with the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and awarded to local governments, community-based nonprofits, and health organizations. This language was taken directly from the text of the American Rescue Plan.
What can the Harm Reduction funds from the American Rescue Plan be used for?
The funds can be used for, 1) preventing and controlling the spread of infectious diseases and the consequences of such diseases for individuals with substance use disorder; 2) distributing opioid overdose reversal medication to individuals at risk of overdose; 3) educating and counseling individuals at risk for substance use disorders and overdose; and 4) encouraging at-risk individuals to "take steps to reduce the negative personal and public health impacts of substance use or misuse" (i.e., harm reduction services). This language was taken directly from the text of the American Rescue Plan.
What We Support
The CARE Act, which will provide $100 billion of federal funding over 10 years to combat overdose
The Emergency Support for Substance Use Disorders Act, which will provide $58 million of federal funding to provide Harm Reduction services during the Covid-19 epidemic
The Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act, which will lower barriers to MAT
Enacting legislation to provide a “safe haven” for Safe Consumption Sites (or “Overdose Prevention Centers”) to preclude criminal enforcement of operators of these sites under the federal “crack house” statute
The re-training/re-educating of the traditional treatment system to understand and incorporate a Harm Reduction approach, in lieu of outdated, unscientific abstinence-only treatments
Doctors be given the right to use Harm Reduction interventions to deliver patient-centered care to provide interventions without judgment or criminalization
The repeal of the law against using federal funds to purchase syringes
The Medicaid Reentry Act, which will allow Medicaid payment for medical services to incarcerated individuals during the 30-day period preceding the individual's release
The creation of a new national Harm Reduction program focused on community outreach, relationship building, and small steps to improve health
The creation of at least one new Harm Reduction program dedicated to helping communities of color
The incorporation of the voices loved ones of people who have been lost to the overdose epidemic into the policymaking process
A comprehensive review the Opioid Task Force recommendations issued during the Trump administration