The American Academy of Family Physicians supports effective harm reduction strategies to prevent the spread of bloodborne pathogens and infections associated with lack of sterile techniques, reduce the risk of death from opioid overdose, and engage individuals in treatment for substance use disorders. Needle exchange programs and safe injection sites reduce the transmission of disease, do not increase the rate of substance use, and increase the likelihood that individuals will enter drug treatment programs. Such programs may also provide additional health and preventive services to vulnerable and high-risk populations. Physicians should be knowledgeable about their states' statutes regarding such harm reduction strategies, as well as local needle exhange programs or safe injection sites to which they can direct their patients. (2016) (September 2024 COD)