Policies: Harm Reduction Methods and Tools

1) Overdose Response & Naloxone Access Policy

Purpose: To reduce preventable deaths by ensuring timely, safe response to suspected overdoses on library property.
Scope: Applies to all staff, volunteers, and contractors on all library premises.

Policy:

  • The Library will maintain readily accessible overdose-reversal medication (e.g., naloxone/nalmefene) in publicly visible locations and at service points. Medications will be stored per manufacturer guidance and replaced before expiration. (SAMSHA, 2025).
  • All public-facing staff will receive initial and refresher training on recognizing overdose, administering naloxone, and post-event procedures, using current federal toolkits. (SAMSHA, 2025).
  • Staff who render aid must activate EMS (911), follow training, and complete an incident report the same day. The Library supports staff who act in good faith under applicable Good Samaritan protections. Be sure to check your state statutes!
  • The Library will partner with local public health agencies to supply naloxone, provide community education events, and offer multilingual overdose-prevention materials. (OCLC 2019).
  • After any overdose response, the Library will debrief, restock supplies, and offer staff support and referrals for critical-incident stress. (OCLC, 2020).

Rationale. National guidance shows layperson overdose response and naloxone availability are evidence-based strategies that save lives and are appropriate in community settings, including libraries. (SAMSHA 2025).

2) Safer Use Supplies, Disposal & Referral Policy

Purpose. To reduce infectious-disease transmission, needlestick injury risk, and other harms while connecting patrons to services.
Scope. Applies to all locations and public restrooms.

Policy.

  • The Library will install and maintain puncture-resistant sharps disposal containers in at least one public restroom per facility and in staff areas with consent of facilities and public health partners. (CDC, 2024).
  • The Library may host or co-locate time-limited outreach by authorized community providers (e.g., syringe services programs, health departments) to offer education, testing, vaccination, linkage to care, and harm-reduction supplies consistent with local law. (Memorialize roles via MOUs.) (CDC, 2024).
  • Library staff do not distribute or handle syringes themselves unless permitted and trained under a formal partnership; staff will provide referrals and printed resource guides to evidence-based local services. (OCLC, 2020).
  • Restroom safety: apply neutral, uniform rules (e.g., single-use occupancy, welfare checks after a posted time limit) focused on safety—not status. Never profile or target individuals based on suspected drug use. Document welfare checks in the incident system. (Schnell et al, 2024).

Rationale. Syringe services and proper sharps disposal protect patrons, staff, and first responders and are linked to better health outcomes and public safety. (CDC).

3) Respectful Conduct, Privacy & Staff Support Policy (Trauma-Informed)

Purpose. To uphold a welcoming, stigma-free environment while protecting health and safety.
Scope. All patrons and staff.

Policy.

  • Non-discrimination: The Library serves people affected by substance use without stigma. Services, space use, and assistance are based on behavior and policy—not on health status or housing status. (OCLC, 2020).
  • Language: Staff will use person-first, non-stigmatizing language in all interactions and communications (e.g., “person who uses drugs”). Provide staff a quick-reference language guide derived from federal resources. (SAMHSA)
  • De-escalation & referral: Train staff in de-escalation, bystander safety, and warm hand-offs to community partners; post a private staff directory of local treatment, recovery, and harm-reduction contacts. (OCLC, 2020).
  • Privacy: When assisting with health information or referrals, staff will respect patron privacy, avoid recording health details beyond what incident reporting requires, and follow applicable confidentiality laws.
  • Data & review: Track anonymized counts of naloxone administrations, sharps disposals, referrals made, and trainings completed. Review quarterly with partners to improve services and staff supports. (OCLC, 2019)

References

Allen, Scott G., Larra Clark, Michele Coleman, Lynn Silipigni Connaway, Chris Cyr, Kendra Morgan, and Mercy Procaccini. 2019. Libraries Respond to the Opioid Crisis with Their Communities: Summary Report. Dublin, OH: OCLC. https://doi.org/10.25333/qgrn-hj36.

Allen, Scott G., Larra Clark, Michele Coleman, Lynn Silipigni Connaway, Chris Cyr, Kendra Morgan, and Mercy
Procaccini. 2020. Call to Action: Public Libraries and the Opioid Crisis. Dublin, OH: OCLC. https://doi.org/10.25333/w8sg-8440.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2024, Feb. 8). Syringe Services Programs. https://www.cdc.gov/syringe-services-programs/php/index.html

Feuerstein-Simon, R., Lowenstein, M., Dupuis, R., Dolan, A., Marti, X. L., Harvey, A., Ali, H., Meisel, Z. F., Grande, D. T., Lenstra, N., & Cannuscio, C. C. (2022). Substance Use and Overdose in Public Libraries: Results from a Five-State Survey in the US. Journal of community health, 47(2), 344–350. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-021-01048-2

Schnell, P.M., Zhao, R., Schoenbeck, S. et al. How Ohio public library systems respond to opioid-related substance use: a descriptive analysis of survey results. BMC Public Health 24, 1336 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-18799-x

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2025). Overdose Prevention and Response Toolkit. https://library.samhsa.gov/product/overdose-prevention-response-toolkit/pep23-03-00-001