Harm Reduction Center
The Harm Reduction Center (HRC) is the site that operates as Fargo Cass Public Health’s syringe services program (SSP), a disease and overdose prevention program that helps reduce harms associated with drug use. A harm reduction specialist helps program participants connect to resources in the community, including substance use disorder treatment, social services, behavioral health services and medical care.
The HRC offers harm reduction services, education and supplies:
- Safer injection education
- Safer injection supplies, including syringes & other injection equipment
- Fentanyl, xylazine and medetomidine test strips
- Sharps containers
- Safe and secure syringe disposal
- HIV, hepatitis C and STI prevention education
- Safer sex supplies including condoms and dental dams
- Rapid testing for HIV and hepatitis C
- Narcan and intramuscular naloxone
- Overdose response and naloxone administration training
- Referrals to healthcare, treatment, behavioral health, social services, housing and more
- Peer Support Specialist for recovery
Syringe Services Program (SSP)
Syringe Services Programs (SSPs) are evidence-based and endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fargo Cass Public Health’s comprehensive SSP program helps prevent the transmission of HIV and hepatitis C through education, rapid testing, and the availability of safer-use supplies. In addition, staff connect participants to substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, healthcare and other services. Participants are also provided sharps containers, overdose prevention and response education, naloxone and wound care supplies. Safer sex supplies and STI prevention education are also available.
Nationally, SSPs are associated with an estimated 50% reduction in HIV and hepatitis C. Locally, we have been effective at reducing hepatitis C by 67% from 2021 to 2024. Additionally, persons who use SSPs are five times more likely to enter SUD treatment and three times more likely to stop using drugs.
Please visit our SSP webpage to learn more about this program.
Naloxone Distribution & Overdose Response Training
Naloxone is a life-saving medication that reverses opioid overdoses by restoring breathing. It is safe, easy to use, and works within minutes. Naloxone has no effect if opioids are not present.
Fargo Cass Public Health, with support from the State Opioid Response (SOR) grant from the ND Department of Health & Human Services Behavioral Health Division, works to ensure free naloxone is widely accessible across Cass County through low-barrier, community-based distribution.
Please visit our Naloxone Distribution & Overdose Response Training webpage to learn more about this program.