Harm Reduction in New York
New York was one of the first states to build a real legal framework around harm reduction, and it shows: the state has authorized 25 syringe exchange programs operating more than 81 sites, plus over 1,400 registered opioid overdose prevention programs across roughly 6,000 sites providing no-cost naloxone and training. Naloxone has been available through a statewide pharmacy standing order since 2014, meaning any pharmacy can dispense it without a patient-specific prescription. New York's 911 Good Samaritan law, one of the broader ones in the country, protects both the caller and the person overdosing from prosecution for drug possession (up to eight ounces of a controlled substance), paraphernalia, and marijuana possession, plus alcohol possession for people under 21. Fentanyl test strips are available at no cost through the syringe exchange network.
The state's Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) runs the "Safer Choices" harm reduction campaign and directs opioid settlement money specifically toward priority populations who are often underserved by treatment systems: Black, Indigenous, and other people of color, justice-involved people, people experiencing homelessness, LGBTQ+ people, older adults, and pregnant or parenting people. A recent round of settlement funding put $7.5 million a year into 10 organizations doing exactly this work.
With this much existing infrastructure, a local health department or syringe exchange program is usually the fastest way to find naloxone, test strips, or other supplies nearby.
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Last reviewed September 2026 by Penny Beach, PRS.