Harm Reduction & Substance Use Prevention
Reducing the harm of substance use and preventing overdose.
Harm Reduction
Harm reduction is an evidence-based approach that is critical to engaging with people who use drugs and equipping them with life-saving tools and information to create positive change in their lives and potentially save their lives.
Harm reduction is a practical and transformative approach that incorporates community-driven public health strategies — including prevention, risk reduction, and health promotion — to empower people who use drugs (and their families) with the choice to live healthy, self-directed, and purpose-filled lives. Harm reduction centers the lived and living experience of people who use drugs, especially those in underserved communities, in these strategies and the practices that flow from them.
Harm reduction works by addressing broader health and social issues through improved policies, programs, and practices.
Michigan's Good Samaritan Law
Michigan’s Good Samaritan law prevents drug possession charges against those that seek medical assistance for an overdose in certain circumstances. This law makes saving lives the priority during a drug overdose, not criminal prosecutions of illegal drug users. Read more here.
Local Harm Reduction & Health Resource Access Points
Vending machines in the jurisdiction are required to offer narcan, an overdose reversal treatment, but may also include drug testing strips (fentanyl and xylazine test strip instructions), medication disposal bags, first aid kits, CPR mask face shield, safe sex kits (Wear One), and menstrual products. Each of the access points is paired with substance use disorder educational materials and resources regarding harm reduction and treatment. Below are access point locations:
Barry County
Barry-Eaton District HD
M-F, 8AM - 5PM
330 W. Woodlawn Ave., Hastings
Barry County Community Mental Health Authority (BCCMHA)
M-F, 8AM - 5PM
500 Barfield Dr., Hastings
Corewell Health & Wellness Center
M-Th, 5AM - 7PM | F, 5AM - 1PM | Sat, 8AM - 12PM
1005 W. Green St., Hastings
Eaton County
Barry-Eaton District HD
M-F, 8AM - 5PM
1033 Healthcare Dr., Charlotte
Delta Township District Library
M-Th, 10AM - 8PM | F, 10AM - 6PM | Sat, 10AM - 4PM
5130 Davenport Dr., Lansing
Eaton County Sheriff Department Lobby
Open 24/7
1052 Independence Blvd., Charlotte
National Resources
Suicide Prevention Lifeline
24 Hour Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255
The Listening Ear
24 Hour Crisis Line: (517) 337-1717
End Violent Encounters (EVE)
24 Hour Crisis Line: (517) 372-5572
Michigan State University Sexual Assault Trauma
24 Hour Crisis Line: (517) 372-6666
Funders of Programs and Services
BEDHD is committed to reducing the harm of opioid overdose in our district by providing resources and education. Funds for harm reduction supplies are provided via State Opioid Response Grants and in partnership with Mid State Health Network and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention Local Overdose Data-to-Action Grant. Narcan is provided through the State of Michigan. Wear One is a long-standing program at BEDHD.
Page Last Updated 7/15/2024