HOW WE HELP
The Virginia Harm Reduction Coalition meets people where they are by providing education, supplies, and support to keep them safe.
To help prevent the spread of disease and overdose, we provide safer-use supplies for people actively using drugs. These clean-to-sterile supplies reduce the secondary harms of infection and transmission of AIDs, hepatitis C, and other pathogens.
We also provide test strips to identify deadly contaminants like fentanyl, xylazine, and benzodiazepines, along with naloxone to reverse an opioid overdose.
Sterile Supplies
What is
Naloxone?
Naloxone is a medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose.
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It comes in two FDA-approved forms: injectable (intramuscular) and nasal spray.
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It only works if opioids are in the body; it has no effect on alcohol or other drugs.
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It is 90% effective after 30 years past its expiration date and can survive extreme temperatures. So, don't throw away expired naloxone. Any naloxone is better than none.
Whether or not you use drugs, you should have naloxone in your first-aid kit. You can get naloxone from the VHRC, commercially, or the department of health.
The VHRC offers testing for communicable diseases like HIV and hepatitis C through monthly testing events. If someone tests positive, our patient navigators assist people in getting treatment, providing both logistical and emotional support.
Testing & Treatment
Substance abuse often coincides with other difficult circumstances. We seek to support our participants by addressing their needs holistically.
If a participant is in a dangerous domestic violence situation, we are able to remove them from that environment and connect them with other support services in our area.
If someone is facing or experiencing homelessness, we provide hygiene kits, condoms, menstrual supplies, bottled water, Plan B, COVID tests, socks and underwear, blankets and bedding—anything we can to improve their lives.
Social Services
Prevention is the best policy. We provide harm-reduction education on how to reduce the chances of overdose and infection, continually reminding our participants that they are worthy of care.
As part of that education, we offer individual, group, and organizational trainings on the administration of naloxone as a REVIVE! Trainer of Lay Rescuers (TLR) through the Virginia Department of Health.
Education
