Recommendations

In general, campuses should develop a whole campus approach related to substance use that attempts to integrate harm reduction principles and practices into all levels of programming, services, and student life. Specific interventions will vary based on location and student body needs, but can be wide ranging:

	Deliver health promotion and education on prevention, destigmatization, and reducing harms with substance use For example, encouraging testing substances, not using unknown substances, ways to mitigate aftereffects, and responsible consumption. Understand the intricate nature of substance use dependency and its overlaps with other mental health conditions. Embed harm reduction into curriculum for students in front-line work-related programs (Estreet et al., 2017).
	Provide programs and initiatives that are accessible for students: Accessible – students are aware, and programs are culturally safe and confidential. Easy access to rooms and locations to sober up, increased transportation services during certain events such as homecoming, St Patrick’s day, or Halloween, access to water and snacks, and peer support. Make Naloxone and harm reduction supplies widely available.
	Encourage a culture of community and safety Train students and staff in being an active bystander, naloxone training, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), and identifying overdoses. Training on overdose response and harm reduction should be a mandatory part of orientation, including residential orientation. Providing safe and confidential ways to report. Providing judgement free supports and reducing harmful language surrounding substance use. An allyship tip sheet can be found here. Invest in peer-led stigma reduction campaigns, support, recovery, and harm reduction programs that are located on-campus.