Research to Recovery 2026

This presentation explores peer-led community outreach practice and case examples from Health Brigade CHR demonstrating how low-barrier harm reduction services (syringe access, naloxone distribution, overdose prevention education, safer use supplies, and peer navigation) function as consistent engagement points across active use, early recovery, long-term recovery, and periods of transition or recurrence. Harm reduction is an evidence-informed, recovery-oriented approach that sustains connection to healthcare, treatment, recovery supports, and social services over time, supporting outcomes such as ongoing engagement, stability, and wellness without requiring abstinence as a prerequisite for access to care.


By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
• Describe the role of peer-led, street-level outreach in engaging individuals at all stages of recovery
• Explain how harm reduction services function as entry points, mid-term supports, and long-term recovery resources
• Identify common breakdowns in the continuum of care and peer-informed strategies to address them
• Apply harm reduction principles to strengthen collaboration between outreach, treatment, and recovery services