Harm Reduction Sisters

Harm Reduction Sisters (HRS) provides a feminist, trauma-informed response to syringe service programming by utilizing innovative harm reduction principles and practices to address the gaps that exist for people who use drugs in Northern Minnesota. We are an independent mobile harm reduction organization based in Duluth, MN that operates on a needs-based and community-distribution model across thirteen counties in Northern Minnesota. 

We provide participants with mobile, culturally competent, and person-centered education and health services. Our outreach team meets people quite literally where they are at to provide harm reduction supplies, including sterile syringes, safer snorting and smoking kits, condoms, lubricant, naloxone (Narcan), fentanyl test strips, cookers, cottons, sterile water, sharps disposal containers, wound care kits, and low barrier birth control. HRS collects and disposes of used syringes from our participant communities. In the Summer of 2021, our organization began offering mobile rapid HIV testing and early intervention services for people who may be at higher risk of exposure. In partnership with allied community organizations, we provide linkage for tele-health services, labs, and connections to low-barrier and comprehensive healthcare access.

There are extreme racial, socioeconomic, and geographic health disparities in the region we serve. HRS aims to fill these gaps in healthcare and social services for people who use drugs by providing access to peer advocates and navigators, education, and linkage to competent services. As we grow, we aim to create an extensive network of non-stigmatizing care resources for our participants across Northern Minnesota.

In addition to our syringe service programming and rapid HIV testing and linkage service, we coordinate two peer-led support groups (Sisters of Substance and Mama Bears of Harm Reduction) to help provide a place for community and connection among people who have experience with substance use and trauma. These groups are led by former program participants and community members.