NOVA Harm Reduction
Electronic Press Kit 2026
WHAT IS HARM REDUCTION?
When we talk about “harm reduction” in the general day-to-day setting, it relates to the small actions we take to avoid damaging outcomes and stay healthy. Do you buckle up before driving a vehicle? What about wearing sunscreen at the beach? Do you put on oven mitts to take something out of the oven? You’re practicing harm reduction! These choices don’t eliminate all risk, but they help protect us from the worst outcomes.
When we talk about “Harm Reduction” as a formal approach, we refer to a set of evidence-based policies, programs, and practices designed specifically to reduce the negative effects of substance use and other high-risk behaviors. This approach respects people’s right to make their own choices and meets them where they are—without requiring them to stop using substances or change their behavior before getting support. It focuses on practical, compassionate ways to improve health and safety.
NOVA IN A NUTSHELL
NOVA Harm Reduction is a federally registered non-profit organization, incorporated on May 7th, 2025—a date that, fittingly, aligns with International Harm Reduction Day. While the timing was coincidental, the significance is not lost on us.
Based out of Calgary and supporting events throughout Alberta and BC, NOVA is curated by a team of passionate and professional individuals with backgrounds in community nursing, social work, health administration and lived experience.
Together in their respective roles, the leadership team manages the 4 branches of internal operations: Administration & Fundraising, Education, Media & Marketing, and Event Representatives. Everyone at NOVA is a volunteer, not a paid employee – our leadership team members are active mentors to new volunteers at events, connecting with the community and encouraging conversations.
Our Mission: NOVA Harm Reduction is dedicated to meeting all people where they are at. Approaching from a trauma-informed perspective, we engage in genuine conversations with the public, providing education, supplies and resources to support informed choices. We strive to foster communities that honor, empower, and uplift every individual’s unique journey.
Our Vision: We advocate for a future where every individual feels safe to engage in conversations with peers and professionals surrounding consent, substance use, sexual health and safe supplies – without fear of being shamed, exposed or denied access to vital services.
Our Values: Three foundational principles guide NOVA’s management, policies, community services, and future growth: Engagement, Education and Access.
WHAT DO WE OFFER THE COMMUNITY?
INFO, RESOUCES & SUPPLIES BOOTH
Rich with educational materials, naloxone and safe supplies, the info booth is a signature presence — instantly recognizable and central to our Harm Reduction footprint.
Each table setup is supported by passionate volunteers who facilitate meaningful conversations, provide resources and support peer connection.
The adaptability of the booth allows it to effectively serve a variety of community events, from large-scale festivals to intimate gatherings. The booth can be stand-alone or sheltered under a canopy for indoor or outdoor use, with NOVA’s folding tables or by options provided at the venue.
ROVING OUTREACH TEAMS
NOVA’s roving outreach teams enhance any event! safety and engage patrons where they are at – literally!
Roving volunteers circulate your event in teams of 2, actively monitoring the crowd, scouting potential patrons in need and connecting them to the right team, offering Harm Reduction info and supplies, earplug options and basic first aid support.
Rovers are often essential when the event comes to a close – assisting with connecting safe transport home and accompanying patrons walking to their vehicles alone. Great for events of all sizes, from intimate gatherings to large-scale productions.
SANCTUARY/SAFE SPACE AREAS
BASIC FIRST AID PROVISION
GROUP EDUCATION SESSIONS
NOVA proudly offers interactive group education sessions for any size, with in-person and online options.
Presentations can be provided in 1-3 hour time formats and are flexible for any schedule. An optional accompanying quiz and certificate of completion is provided with passing grade. A digital copy link to the education module is provided to the participants for their later reference.
Education modules currently available: Naloxone Education, Hearing Awareness, Substances Education
Upcoming modules: Consent & Sexual Health, HR for Festival Security, Harm Reduction 101
NALOXONE DISTRIBUTION & TRAINING
Naloxone (or Narcan) is a life-saving medication that quickly reverses the effects of an opioid poisoning. It works by blocking opioids like fentanyl, heroin, or prescription painkillers from attaching to brain receptors.
NOVA provides flexible education and hands-on training for naloxone administration, covering both intramuscular (IM) and nasal (spray) methods.
Naloxone kits and optional training can also be accessed at our HR booth and through outreach teams during events.
Naloxone IM kits are always 100% free!
SUPPLEMENTARY OFFERINGS
“HR TO-GO” BAGS
BATHROOM BASKETS
BENEFITS TO PARTNERING WITH US
A Safer Event Experience
Booking NOVA shows your attendees that their safety matters. Our presence helps reduce risk and creates a more supportive environment, particularly at events where substance use may occur.
Positive Public Perception
Working with a Harm Reduction organization reflects thoughtful, responsible event planning. Clients often find this builds trust with attendees, artists, and partners, while helping events feel more inclusive and well-run.
Built-In Promotion & Visibility
NOVA actively promotes the events we support through social media, including event links, ticket sales, artist announcements, and venue spotlights. This added exposure helps broaden your reach and strengthens local community connections.
On-Site First Aid Support
Every booking includes at least one volunteer certified in Standard First Aid, with the option to scale support based on event size. Having trained responders on site means quicker assistance if a medical issue arises, including overdoses or other health emergencies.
Hearing Protection for Attendees
We provide free foam earplugs at events and offer reusable silicone earplugs by donation. This ensures hearing protection is available to all attendees, regardless of budget.
PROMOTION AND BRANDING
NOVA Harm Reduction values strong, community-driven partnerships and is always open to collaborate with others who share our commitment to care, connection, and general wellness. We value shared promotion through our digital channels, not only of upcoming events, but local venues, businesses and organizations that support HR initiatives.
Cross-Promotion on our Digital Channels Can Look Like:
- Sharing promotional graphics for upcoming partner-booked events through stories and creating content promoting events to NOVA’s social media channels
- Ticketing links & sales promotions for partner events shared
- Hype-up content such as artist features or vendor highlights
- Posting partner events, logos & links on the NOVA website and internal newsletters
- Celebrating community venue HR initiatives such as advertising “Naloxone available” posters on venue front windows, or providing a wide array of great-tasting non-alcoholic drinks on their menu
About Our Branding Guidelines:
We’re excited for you to promote NOVA alongside your next function! To keep consistent:
Please use our official logo and refer to us as NOVA Harm Reduction – (We use capital letters).
We ask that the logo not be stretched, edited, or altered without permission.
We will provide you high-quality logo files, promotional photos, and a brief biography for your use.
Please share your own branding details and graphics with your NOVA event rep after booking so we can make sure everything fits together flawlessly.
DONATIONS AND PRICING
We are committed to making Harm Reduction accessible to all without financial barriers.
To support our free-to-minimal cost services, we ask that our donation boxes, marketing banners and QR code posters be visible to the public. We offer nothing for sale through NOVA, operating by donations.
Each event is unique in length, volume, location and offerings – This means we have no set costs associated with any of our services. Once your event details are received and anticipated cost factors are weighed, a NOVA rep will work with you to determine if a small fee is required. For larger crowds and gatherings such as festivals, our events team will create a detailed offer and work within your budget to provide our resources.
If your business would like to make a donation following a successful event, it is greatly appreciated but not necessary. Please note that tax receipts for qualifying donations over $20 will be available once our registered charity status is obtained.
All funds earned go directly towards covering operating costs and supplying our necessities for the communities we serve. Now, more than ever before, grassroot-organizations need your support to stay afloat and continue providing these vital services. Thank you for your donation!
BOOK NOW!
To start your booking with us, please send us an email to: booking@novaharmreduction.com or click to EMAIL NOW We ask that you provide a few details to get us started, including:
- Event Name and Organizer
- Event Venue Location
- Event Date & Time
- NOVA Services Requested
Thank you for considering Harm Reduction initiatives for your event!
GET INVOLVED
Do you have an interest in Harm Reduction? Apply to volunteer with us!
Volunteers with NOVA have opportunities to attend unique events all over Alberta and beyond, enjoying quarterly social meet-ups and holiday parties, recognition awards and advancement opportunities.
Volunteers can access group education sessions as well as our exclusive online portal, featuring independent education modules & quizzes for continued learning.
Most importantly – our volunteers engage with the community, meeting them where they are at, providing education, access to supplies, support and meaningful conversation.
Intrigued? Fill out our application form using the direct link below – we aim to respond to all new applications within 1-2 days.