Health

Harm Reduction

Harm reduction is a practical, evidence-based approach that focuses on keeping people safe and healthy. These strategies reduce overdose deaths, prevent disease, and connect people to care.

Overdose Prevention and Response

Overdose prevention tools and education save lives. Knowing how to recognize an overdose and respond quickly can make the difference between life and death.

• How to use Narcan (Naloxone)
  Visit Opioids: Overdose Recognition and Response to learn how to recognize an opioid overdose and safely administer naloxone, a medication that can reverse the effects of opioids and restore breathing. 
• How to use Fentanyl Test Strips
  Fentanyl test strips are a simple tool that can help people detect the presence of fentanyl in substances. Learn more at Opioids: Safer Use.
• Training for Naloxone Administration
  Naloxone trainings are available for individuals, organizations, and community groups throughout La Crosse County. Trainings cover overdose recognition, response steps, and how to administer naloxone safely and confidently. If you are interested in learning more about naloxone training or hosting a training, email healthweb@lacrossecounty.org.

Safe Disposal of Medications and Sharps

Proper disposal of medications and sharps help prevent accidental poisoning, misuse, and environmental harm.

• Medication Drop Boxes
  Secure drop boxes are available throughout the community for safe disposal of unused or expired medications. See Medication Drop Box List for the drop box locations in La Crosse County.
• Drug Take Back Day
  Drug Take Back Day is a nationwide event that provides a safe, anonymous way to dispose of medications. This local effort is a partnership between the La Crosse County Sheriff’s Office and La Crosse County Health Department and takes place twice a year in April and October. To learn more, including event dates, visit Take Back Day.
  
• Sharps Disposal
  Sharps such as syringes, needles, and lancets can be safely dropped off locally through hazardous household material (HHM) programs. For La Crosse County services, learn more at Household Hazardous Materials. Wisconsin DNR has additional sharps disposal guidance and locations on their website. Visit Wisconsin Medical Sharps Collection Program to learn more. 

Stigma Reduction

Reducing stigma improves health outcomes, strengthens communities, and saves lives. Stigma can prevent people from seeking help and accessing care or resources.

• Stigma Reduction Resources
  Learn how language, attitudes, and policies impact people who use substances, and explore strategies to promote compassion, understanding, and evidence-based responses through resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Stop Overdose initiative Stigma Reduction.