LANSING – Harm reduction programs have saved lives, reduced hospitalizations and emergency department (ED) visits and prevented hepatitis C (HCV) cases, according to a new modeling study by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

Harm reduction programs provide life-saving tools like naloxone, which can reverse the effects of opioids and prevent overdose deaths. These programs also help to stop the spread of HIV and HCV. Since 2018, MDHHS has been integral in developing Michigan’s robust harm reduction infrastructure, currently comprised of 37 harm reduction agencies (HRAs) with more than 100 locations.

“Harm reduction is a key component of our opioids response in Michigan, and it is working,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “According to the most recent year

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