Mail-based Harm Reduction Expansion Project Request for Proposals
Background NEXT Harm Reduction aka NEXT Distro “NEXT” is a New York-based non-profit organization that works to provide online and mail-based harm reduction resources to people who cannot access in-person harm reduction programs. NEXT closely partners with a network of 30+ harm reduction organizations across the country to support and grow their state-specific naloxone by mail programs; and 6 organizations to support their full-service drug user health supplies by mail program. Despite years of demonstrated success, mail-based distribution of drug user health supplies remains an underutilized strategy for reaching high-risk populations in rural and remote communities. Description of Project The Mail-based Harm Reduction Expansion Project will connect, engage, and work with stakeholders to expand and identify funding opportunities for mail-based harm reduction services in states where there is not a pre-existing mail based program or where pre-existing services are unfunded. Scope of Work ● Develop criteria to assess which states are in the best position to adopt full-service mail-based harm reduction; criteria may include preexisting harm reduction infrastructure, historical and present support for harm reduction, policy environment, and potential partners ○ Utilizing pre-existing datasets and historical information that will be provided by NEXT Program staff, determine 6-8 focus states ● Combining pre-existing datasets and publicly available public health information, develop marketing tools and communication strategies designed to effectively connect with stakeholders about the benefits of mail-based harm reduction services; materials will focus on the economic and human impact of the work NEXT does including demonstrating measurable outcomes and testimonials from program participants ● Identify, research, and prioritize key stakeholders, including departments of health, other public health agencies, harm reduction programs, and community leaders ● Develop and implement stakeholder engagement strategies, including outreach, meetings, presentations, and relationship development ● Identify funding opportunities from state, local, and private philanthropic sources to support new or expanding mail-based programs ● Facilitate partnerships between NEXT and states interested in establishing or expanding mail-based harm reduction services; support relationship hand-off to NEXT staff ● Maintain documentation of stakeholder engagement and other activities, to be included in brief monthly reports focused on work conducted, achievements, challenges, and next steps