The Substance Use Prevention and Harm Reduction (SUPHR) program oversees issues related to substance use in Philadelphia.

Our mission is to prevent drug-related deaths and the potential harms associated with drug use. We advance programs and policies that promote the dignity, autonomy, and health of people who use drugs.

We strive to create a city free of overdose, stigma, and other harms of the War on Drugs by:

• Helping people who use drugs to get the harm reduction and treatment resources they need.
• Reducing the number of people experiencing overdoses involving opioids, stimulants, and other drugs like xylazine.
• Ensuring scientifically-backed harm reduction practices are embedded in all care settings.
• Promoting cross-system collaborations to provide health education, combat stigma, and address the root causes of harm.

SUPHR collects and analyzes data on overdose trends, hospitalizations, and drug treatment programs. Our interdisciplinary OD Stat team reviews selected overdose deaths to help prevent future fatalities. These efforts help to inform City policies and programs.

SUPHR also provides direct support, including:

• Bereavement support for surviving family and friends after the loss of a loved one to overdose.
• Programs for families of infants exposed to substances during pregnancy.