“Discover Vermont CARES: Compassion, Advocacy, and Dedication in Action”

Founded in 1985, Vermont CARES has been at the forefront of community service, embodying the spirit of compassion and dedication that defines the Green Mountain State. Our journey began as a small group of committed individuals, driven by a shared vision to make a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable.

Over the years, Vermont CARES has grown, but our core values remain unchanged. We believe in the power of community, the importance of advocacy, and the necessity of providing resources and support to those in need. Our history is a testament to the resilience and strength of the communities we serve, and the unwavering commitment of
our team.

From our humble beginnings to our current expansive outreach, Vermont CARES has been a beacon of hope, a voice for the unheard, and a force for positive change. Join us as we continue to write our story, one of care, commitment, and community.

Overdose Prevention Centers can serve as a backdrop for safer substance use, a bridge to recovery from substance use disorder, and a beacon of hope for those who are struggling. Vermont’s system of substance use services should include OPCs as a tool to connect with and support people who use substances. We must move to include OPCs in Vermont’s response to overdose fatalities.

You can show your support by adding your name to the letter at the link in our bio.

Source: Oudshoorn, A., et al. (2021). A critical narrative inquiry to understand the impacts of an overdose prevention site on the lives of Site Users. Harm Reduction Journal, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-020-00458-0

Overdose Prevention Centers can serve as a backdrop for safer substance use, a bridge to recovery from substance use disorder, and a beacon of hope for those who are struggling. Vermont’s system of substance use services should include OPCs as a tool to connect with and support people who use substances. We must move to include OPCs in Vermont’s response to overdose fatalities.

You can show your support by adding your name to the letter at the link in our bio.

Source: Oudshoorn, A., et al. (2021). A critical narrative inquiry to understand the impacts of an overdose prevention site on the lives of Site Users. Harm Reduction Journal, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-020-00458-0
...

As is often said in the #Recovery community, the opposite of Addiction is Connection. People who use drugs and people with substance use disorders face profound stigma in our society which can lead to isolation and marginalization. #HarmReduction, in the form of syringe service programs (SSPs) and overdose prevention centers (OPCs), aims to provide spaces where people are treated with the dignity they deserve.

Substance use and addiction are not moral failings. Together, we can end the stigma that surrounds substance use and prevents connection.

As is often said in the #Recovery community, the opposite of Addiction is Connection. People who use drugs and people with substance use disorders face profound stigma in our society which can lead to isolation and marginalization. #HarmReduction, in the form of syringe service programs (SSPs) and overdose prevention centers (OPCs), aims to provide spaces where people are treated with the dignity they deserve.

Substance use and addiction are not moral failings. Together, we can end the stigma that surrounds substance use and prevents connection.
...

📲 Download the Vermont CARES and request FREE Narcan today!

[link to download app is in our bio]

📲 Download the Vermont CARES and request FREE Narcan today!

[link to download app is in our bio]
...

As advocates work to open Overdose Prevention Centers (OPCs) in Vermont, we think it is critical to listen to and work with people who use drugs as these decisions are made. Often, subject matter experts bring valuable information and data to the table. At the same time, it is important to remember that subject matter experts can and should INCLUDE people who use drugs. 

As Vermont legislators consider opening Overdose Prevention Centers, we want to center and amplify the voices of people who have used these sites in Canada. We invite you to imagine the positive impact OPCs could have in Vermont. OPCs are safe spaces where people can consume pre-obtained substances and be supervised by personnel trained to identify and respond to the earliest signs of overdose. They are also places where participants can typically access an array of additional services.

If you would like to add your name in support of OPCs, click the link in our bio to sign on to a letter of support!

Source: Oudshoorn, A., et al. (2021). A critical narrative inquiry to understand the impacts of an overdose prevention site on the lives of Site Users. Harm Reduction Journal, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-020-00458-0

As advocates work to open Overdose Prevention Centers (OPCs) in Vermont, we think it is critical to listen to and work with people who use drugs as these decisions are made. Often, subject matter experts bring valuable information and data to the table. At the same time, it is important to remember that subject matter experts can and should INCLUDE people who use drugs.

As Vermont legislators consider opening Overdose Prevention Centers, we want to center and amplify the voices of people who have used these sites in Canada. We invite you to imagine the positive impact OPCs could have in Vermont. OPCs are safe spaces where people can consume pre-obtained substances and be supervised by personnel trained to identify and respond to the earliest signs of overdose. They are also places where participants can typically access an array of additional services.

If you would like to add your name in support of OPCs, click the link in our bio to sign on to a letter of support!

Source: Oudshoorn, A., et al. (2021). A critical narrative inquiry to understand the impacts of an overdose prevention site on the lives of Site Users. Harm Reduction Journal, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-020-00458-0
...

Have you heard? Vermont CARES has a BRAND NEW WEBSITE!✨

Whether you're looking for our office hours and locations, information on programs and services, our volunteer or donation forms, or just want to learn more about our mission, there's so much to explore on our new website! A link to our website is at the link in our bio.

Many thanks to the United Way of Rutland County (@uwrutlandcounty) for supporting us with this development project; we're thrilled to showcase the final product!

Have you heard? Vermont CARES has a BRAND NEW WEBSITE!✨

Whether you`re looking for our office hours and locations, information on programs and services, our volunteer or donation forms, or just want to learn more about our mission, there`s so much to explore on our new website! A link to our website is at the link in our bio.

Many thanks to the United Way of Rutland County (@uwrutlandcounty) for supporting us with this development project; we`re thrilled to showcase the final product!
...