Honoring and Supporting Veterans through Harm Reduction: A Lifesaving Approach
By Dorilis Camacho Torres, Public Affairs Officer
August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day, a global campaign to end overdose, remember loved ones who have died from drug overdose and acknowledge the grief of those left behind.
This day also gives us an opportunity to support those impacted by substance use and overdose.
Using recreational drugs or misusing prescribed medications is a risky behavior that some people chose. At VA, we are committed to helping Veterans make the safest choice possible when engaging in risky behavior. Jesse Brown VA uses a harm reduction approach to support Veterans who engage in risky behavior. Harm reduction is a public health approach that aims to minimize the negative health, social, and legal impacts associated with drug use. It recognizes that while some individuals may not be ready or able to stop using drugs, they still deserve access to resources that can reduce their risk of harm. This approach is grounded in principles of respect, dignity, and the belief that everyone deserves to live a healthy, fulfilling life.
VA’s Syringe Service Programs: A Beacon of Hope
Harm reduction are strategies that help keep people safe from injury, illness, and death. Syringe Service Programs are a cornerstone of the VA's harm reduction strategy. These programs provide Veterans with access to sterile syringes, naloxone (a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses), HIV and hepatitis C testing, and other vital services. SSPs also offer education on overdose prevention and risk reduction, creating a non-judgmental space where veterans can seek help and support.
Beyond Syringes: Comprehensive Care for Veterans
Harm reduction programs at VA extend beyond syringe exchange and may provide a wide range of services, including:
- Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution: Veterans are educated on how to prevent overdoses and are provided with naloxone kits at no cost.
- Testing and Treatment: Regular testing for HIV, hepatitis C, and sexually transmitted infections is available, along with linkage to appropriate treatments.
- Fentanyl Test Strips: These strips help veterans detect the presence of fentanyl in drugs, reducing the risk of accidental overdoses.
- Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD): Buprenorphine, an effective treatment for OUD, is readily available to Veterans.
- Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): This medication helps prevent HIV among those who inject drugs.
- Education and Support: Veterans are provided with information and support for safer drug use practices, including safer injection supplies, wound care supplies, and safer sex supplies.
Breaking the Stigma: Creating a Compassionate Care Environment
One of the challenges in addressing substance use among Veterans is the stigma and shame associated with drug use. Harm reduction programs at the VA are designed to create a compassionate, inclusive environment where veterans feel safe seeking help. By engaging in open, non-judgmental conversations about drug use, VA health care providers can build trust and foster positive change.
On International Overdose Awareness Day, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting Veterans through effective harm reduction strategies. At VA, we believe that every Veteran deserves to live a life free from the dangers of overdose and substance use disorder. By providing compassionate, evidence-based care, we are helping Veterans achieve “any positive change” and move towards healthier, more fulfilling lives. Your life matters, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
If you would like to hear more about the harm reduction program, you can contact the program coordinator at
If you are not enrolled in VA health care you can do so online or by phone at