Guilford County Public Health and City of Greensboro Host International Harm Reduction Day Event

The Guilford County Division of Public Health and the City of Greensboro's Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) team will honor International Harm Reduction Day 2026 by hosting a special event on May 7. The Harm Reduction Hangout and Resource Expo will be held from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Next Door Beer Bar and Bottle Shop located at 505 North Greene Street, Greensboro.

"We warmly welcome the Guilford County community to the International Harm Reduction Day event," said Amanda Clark, Drug and Injury Prevention Manager, Guilford County Division of Public Health. "This year's theme is CARE, which helps us recognize some of the most important parts of good harm reduction work: compassion, autonomy, reducing risk and using evidence to inform our decisions and actions."

Participants will have the opportunity to receive naloxone training and learn about overdose prevention resources and sexual health resources. Food truck Hot Dog Central and ice cream truck Alsies will be onsite for the event, which also includes music and door prizes.

"We want everyone to feel welcome at the Harm Reduction Hangout, whether you come for resources, connection or just curiosity," said Mary Houser, LEAD coordinator with the Greensboro Community Safety Department. "This event is about community, education and making sure that everyone has the tools they need to stay safe and well."

International Harm Reduction Day is recognized annually on May 7. Harm reduction is an evidence-based approach that focuses on reducing the negative consequences of drug use and promoting health.

"On International Harm Reduction Day, we reaffirm our commitment to practical, life-saving strategies that reduce harm and connect residents to care," said Courtney McFadden, Guilford County Public Health Director. "At the county level, we're expanding naloxone access, strengthening partnerships and using data-driven action to reduce overdoses and improve community health."