Harm Reduction Services
Our Harm Reduction Program encompasses our Syringe Service Program, HIV/HCV testing, safer sex supplies and educational workshops.
Harm Reduction simply means that we are helping people to reduce the potential harms that can be associated with certain activities when using drugs and having sex. We are enabling people to live safer, longer, healtier lives. Our programs aim to educate, engage and bring evidence-based interventions to those who seek our services through compassinate care and guidance.
Syringe Service Program Locations and Hours
Overdose Prevention
Through our Syringe Service Program we provide the life saving medication, Narcan. This safe and easy to use nasal spray can reverse an opioid overdose in minutes.
We offer this to those enrolled in our programs, the loved ones and friends of people who use opioids, community based organizations and small businesses.
In addition to the distribution of Narcan we also provide educational workshops, videos and in person demonstration.
Along with Narcan distribution we also provide Fentanyl test strips. Research has show that this cost effective intervention can save lives. To see the John Hopkins study click here.
Wound Care Prevention
Our current project incorporates both conventional and herbal strategies for wound care. We’ve put together two wound care supply kits. We currently have two herbal preparations to distribute alongside these kits as needed: a propolis wound care spray for antimicrobial support, and a tea bag compress, which can be used anytime a conventional warm compress is indicated. The wound care kits and herbal preparations are designed to be preventative, in hopes that when intervention happens early, the need for medical care will be less frequent. We also talk about safer injection strategies, vein health, proper wound cleaning, and give referrals to other services or health care practitioners. It also gives particpants an opportunity to express concerns about their health without fear of judgement or stigma.
HIV and Hep C Testing
Vermont CARES offers free HIV & HEP C testing at all of our sites and in our mobile van. We use a rapid-result finger stick test, made by OraSure, that produces initial results in 20 minutes. These tests are accurate, fast, and free of charge. During a session the counselor will talk with you about potential risk and ways to stay safe. We offer appropriate referrals to additional health and social services if needed. Getting tested is the only way to know your status. It is one of the best forms of prevention.
Syringe Service Program Hours and Locations
Saint Johnsbury, VT
1091 Hospital Drive, St. J
Drop In Hours: Thursday’s 11am to 2pm.
Monday thru Friday just call first to make sure we are available, 9am to 4pm.
802-748-9061 or 802-748-6802
Rutland, VT
1 Scale Ave, Rutland VT
Building 18, Suite 103, 1st Floor
Behind the Howe Center
Drop in hours: Wednesday’s 9am to 3pm
802-775-5884
Barre, VT
Located at People’s Health and Wellness Clinic
553 North Main Street
Drop in hours: Monday’s 1pm to 3pm
802-345-4601 ext. 4 or 802-371-6222
Drop by any one of our offices, our mobile van or give us a call. Our services are free and anonymous. All are welcome. No one is judged. We are here to help you take a step towards being healtier.
802-345-4601
Mobile Van
Serving Franklin, Grand Isle, Addison, Orleans, Lamoille, Essex, Rutland, Caledonia, Orange & Washington counties.
In a Nutshell…..
How It Works
- Become a member. It’s free and completely anonymous.
- Complete a short intake with an outreach worker.
- Bring your used syringes with you, if you’ve been storing them.
- Recieve an initial start up kit with all the supplies you need to safely inject.
- After initial visit come back in anytime to reconnect with us.
- We will walk you through the process when we meet with you.
- We will work with you to determine if you need other harm reduction supplies.
- We will help you to access other services if needed, such as Narcan, Fentnayl test strips, HIV & HCV testing, referrals to treatment and more through our case management services.
- We have drop in hours, no appointment needed.
- We also offer appointments and mobile services, just give us a call.
