Harm Reduction & Prevention--KY

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Practical strategies, community programs, and evidence-based tools to save lives and support recovery.

Kentucky continues to face significant challenges related to opioid use, fentanyl exposure, and overdose risk. Harm reduction programs play a critical role in keeping individuals safe, preventing disease, connecting people to treatment, and supporting healthier communities. This section provides an in-depth overview of statewide and regional harm reduction services available across the Commonwealth.

Naloxone is a life-saving medication that reverses opioid overdoses.

Where to get Naloxone in KY:

• Local Health Departments (available statewide)
• Kentucky Harm Reduction Coalition
• Pharmacies offering standing orders
• Community treatment centers
• Recovery organizations & outreach teams
• Emergency departments / hospital programs

Naloxone Trainings Include:

• How to recognize an overdose
• How to administer Narcan (nasal spray)
• Fentanyl safety awareness
• Post-overdose response and next steps

SSPs provide a safe space for individuals to access sterile supplies and reduce infections like HIV and Hepatitis C.

Services Often Offered:

• Sterile syringes
• Safe disposal containers
• Narcan distribution
• Fentanyl test strips
• Linkage to treatment

Available in:

Over 70 counties across Kentucky (county health department–operated).

These resources help individuals identify the presence of fentanyl or other dangerous substances.

Locations Offering Test Strips:

• Harm reduction programs (county health departments)
• Kentucky Harm Reduction Coalition
• University outreach programs
• Treatment providers in early engagement programs

Testing is commonly offered alongside harm reduction services.

Common Providers Include:

• Local Health Departments
• Community Mental Health Centers
• HIV/AIDS Service Organizations (HASOs)
• Syringe service programs
• Mobile outreach units

A 24/7 national peer-run hotline designed to prevent fatal overdoses for individuals using substances alone.
Phone: (800) 484-3731
What They Do:

• Stay on the line while a person uses
• Call EMS if the caller becomes unresponsive
• Provide nonjudgmental support

Kentucky communities offer teams that respond after an overdose to help individuals access treatment.

Teams May Include: 

• Peer support specialists
• Case managers
• EMS representatives
• Health department staff

Regions With Active Teams:

• Jefferson County
• Fayette County
• Northern Kentucky
• Eastern Kentucky counties partnering with KORE

Mobile harm reduction units bring services directly to rural and underserved communities.

Services Include:

• Narcan distribution
• Safe supplies
• Testing (HIV/HCV)
• Treatment navigation
• Peer support

Programs across Kentucky offer high-quality education on:

• Recognizing overdose signs
• Preventing fentanyl poisoning
• Reducing risks when using substances
• Safe injection practices
• When to call 911

Educational Partners Include:

• Kentucky Harm Reduction Coalition
• KORE (Kentucky Opioid Response Effort)
• Local hospitals
• Community colleges and universities

Harm reduction programs are often the first point of contact for individuals considering treatment.

Immediate Connections Available to:

• MOUD providers (Suboxone, Methadone, Vivitrol)
• Inpatient/residential treatment
• Outpatient programs
• Peer support
• Transportation resources
• Insurance/Medicaid enrollment

A major statewide organization providing:

• Narcan
• Test strips
• Community trainings
• Resources for families
• Outreach services

Website: khrc.org