Guilford County Public Health and the City of Greensboro’s Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) team are inviting county residents to attend an International Harm Reduction Day event on Thursday, May 7, that will focus on overdose prevention, sexual health resources and community outreach.
The “Harm Reduction Hangout and Resource Expo” will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Next Door Beer Bar and Bottle Shop at 505 N. Greene St. in Greensboro.
According to Guilford County officials, the event will include naloxone training, information about overdose prevention and sexual health resources, along with music, food trucks and door prizes.
Amanda Clark, the Drug and Injury Prevention Manager for the Guilford County Division of Public Health, said this year’s International Harm Reduction Day theme is “CARE.”
“We warmly welcome the Guilford County community to the International Harm Reduction Day event,” Clark stated in a press release. “This year’s theme is CARE, which helps us recognize some of the most important parts of good harm reduction work: compassion, autonomy, reducing risk and using evidence to inform our decisions and actions.”
Mary Houser, LEAD coordinator with the Greensboro Community Safety Department, said that organizers want the event to be welcoming to everyone.
“We want everyone to feel welcome at the Harm Reduction Hangout, whether you come for resources, connection or just curiosity,” Houser stated. “This event is about community, education and making sure that everyone has the tools they need to stay safe and well.”
International Harm Reduction Day is observed annually on May 7 and is intended to highlight strategies aimed at reducing the negative consequences associated with drug use.
County Public Health Director Courtney McFadden said Guilford County continues to focus on expanding access to naloxone and reducing overdose deaths.
“On International Harm Reduction Day, we reaffirm our commitment to practical, life-saving strategies that reduce harm and connect residents to care,” McFadden stated. “At the county level, we’re expanding naloxone access, strengthening partnerships and using data-driven action to reduce overdoses and improve community health.”
Officials said Hot Dog Central and Alsies ice cream truck will also be onsite during the event.
