Harm Reduction

Bullitt County Health Department’s Harm Reduction program works to prevent overdose deaths and reduce the health risks associated with drug use. We provide education, resources, and practical tools to help keep individuals and our community safer, including free naloxone (Narcan), overdose-response training, fentanyl test strips, and information on local prevention resources. Our goal is to save lives, reduce harm, and connect people with the support and resources they need.

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Naloxone (Narcan) is a medication used for the emergency treatment of a known or suspected opioid overdose. It works by quickly attaching to opioid receptors in the brain, where it blocks and reverses the effects of opioids such as heroin, fentanyl, and prescription pain medications.

During an opioid overdose, a person’s breathing may become dangerously slow or stop completely. Naloxone can quickly restore normal breathing and give the person valuable time to receive emergency medical care.

Naloxone is safe, easy to use, and can save a life. If an opioid overdose is suspected, administer naloxone right away and call 911.

Naloxone Training

Are you prepared if you encounter a suspected overdose? We host quarterly trainings throughout the year. If you are interested in participating, please visit the upcoming events tab or contact us directly to find out when our next training is scheduled. Following the trainings, you will receive your own box of Narcan Nasal Spray to keep with you whenever you may need it.

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Immediate Support

Never Use Alone
24/7 overdose prevention support when using alone

Never Use Alone operates a confidential national overdose prevention line for people who may be using drugs by themselves. A trained volunteer stays on the phone with the caller and can contact emergency medical services if the caller becomes unresponsive. The service is peer-led, confidential, judgment-free, and available 24 hours a day.

Call: 800-484-3731 or 877-696-1996

Website: https://neverusealone.com

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Free, confidential emotional and crisis support

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential support 24/7 for people experiencing emotional distress, mental health concerns, substance use concerns, or a crisis. People can call, text, or chat with 988, and you do not have to be suicidal to reach out for help.

Call or Text: 988

Website: https://988lifeline.org

Find Services

Findhelp.org
Find local programs and community resources

Findhelp.org is a free nationwide resource that helps people locate free or reduced-cost services in their community. Search by ZIP code for help with food, housing, healthcare, transportation, financial assistance, employment, legal services, and more.

Website: https://findhelp.org

Find Help Now
Find treatment, recovery services, naloxone, and mental health care

Find Help Now connects people with providers that are currently accepting new clients. In Kentucky, visitors can search for substance use disorder treatment, mental health treatment, naloxone providers, and recovery housing, with information about available openings.

Website: https://findhelpnow.org

Other Resources

NEXT Distro
Naloxone and harm reduction supplies by mail

NEXT Distro works with harm reduction programs across the country to help people access naloxone and safer-use supplies, including mail-based services in many areas. Their website also provides information about overdose prevention, syringe access, drug checking, safer use, and other harm reduction topics.

Website: https://nextdistro.org

National Harm Reduction Coalition
Harm reduction education, training, and practical resources

The National Harm Reduction Coalition provides extensive education and resources for people who use drugs, families, community organizations, and professionals. Their resource library includes information about overdose prevention, naloxone, fentanyl, safer drug use, syringe services, hepatitis C, medications for opioid use disorder, xylazine, and more. They also offer training and educational programs.

Website: https://harmreduction.org

Kentucky Harm Reduction Branch
Kentucky harm reduction programs and overdose prevention resources

The Kentucky Department for Public Health Harm Reduction Branch provides information about harm reduction services available throughout Kentucky. Resources include information about naloxone, syringe service programs, drug testing strips, wound care, overdose prevention, and local harm reduction programs.

Website: https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/Pages/harmreduction.aspx

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Fentanyl test strips (FTS) are small strips of paper that can detect the presence of fentanyl in different kinds of drugs, including pills, powders, and injectable drugs.

FTS can help people learn whether fentanyl may be present in a substance so they can make safer choices and take steps to reduce their risk of overdose. However, test strips may not detect every form of fentanyl. A negative result does not mean a drug is completely safe, and an overdose can still happen.

To use a fentanyl test strip:

Prepare the substance, but do not use it yet. Leave a small amount of liquid in the container.
Add about 5 mL of sterile water to the remaining liquid.
Stir the mixture well so the sample is mixed with the water.
Hold the test strip by the blue end. Place the other end into the liquid, but do not submerge it past the blue line. Leave it in the liquid for about 15 seconds.
Remove the strip and place it on a clean, flat surface. Wait about one minute for the result.
After testing, dispose of the remaining solution.

How to read the results:

One red line: Fentanyl was detected.
Two red lines: Fentanyl was not detected.
No lines: The test is invalid. Use a new strip and test again.

Even with a negative result, use caution. Fentanyl may not be evenly mixed throughout a substance, and test strips may not detect every fentanyl-related compound.

To further reduce the risk of overdose, carry naloxone (Narcan), avoid using alone, and call 911 if you think someone is experiencing an overdose.

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Bullitt County residents can easily access free naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and other harm reduction supplies at several locations throughout the county. These resources are available through the Bullitt County Health Department, community partners, and local public libraries to help reduce overdose risk and connect people with supportive services.

In addition to naloxone and fentanyl test strips, some locations may also provide medication and drug disposal pouches, sharps containers, hygiene supplies, feminine hygiene products, safer-sex supplies, and other educational resources. No matter where you live in Bullitt County, there are convenient options available to get the supplies and support you need.

Shepherdsville Locations:

Bullitt County Detention Center

11671 S Preston Hwy,

Shepherdsville, KY 40165

Bullitt County Health Department

181 Lees Valley Rd,

Shepherdsville, KY 40165

Seven Counties Service

527 N. Joe B. Hall Ave,

Shepherdsville, KY 40165

Community Locations:

Jim Eadens Resource Center

1191 Hillview Blvd, Suite 3,

Louisville, KY 40229

Mark 12 Ministries Outreach Thrift Shop

1975 Preston Hwy,

Shepherdsville, KY 40165

UofL South – ER Department

1903 W Hebron Ln,

Shepherdsville, KY 40165

Public Libraries:

Lebanon Junction Branch Library

11382 S Preston Hwy,

Lebanon Junction, KY 40150

Mount Washington Branch Library

214 N Bardstown Rd,

Mount Washington, KY 40047

Nichols Branch Library

10729 Hwy 44 W,

West Point, KY 40177

Shepherdsville Central Library

740 Conestoga Pkwy,

Shepherdsville, KY 40165

THE HOPE INITIATIVE

Reducing Harm, Restoring Hope.

The HOPE Initiative provides compassionate outreach and personalized support to individuals and families facing challenges related to substance use, overdose risk, mental health, and barriers to essential services. Through harm reduction education, recovery resources, and connections to community programs, our team helps people access the care and assistance they need. We meet individuals where they are, offering guidance, encouragement, and ongoing support in a welcoming environment built on dignity, respect, and understanding, without judgment or pressure.

Make a Referral

Download Referral Guide