NORTH CAROLINA HARM REDUCTION COALITION Inc.

NCHRC provides public health education to help at-risk populations avoid the transmission of HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections (STI). Some of our services include free HIV and HCV testing, naloxone access, public health workshops, support and education groups, risk-reduction counseling and referrals to drug treatment centers for community members, PWID, people of transgender experience and sex workers.

NCHRC Runs a Community Based Naloxone Distribution programHarm reduction programs like the Overdose Prevention Project (OPP) can help to prevent overdose fatalities by conducting education with drug users on risk factors for overdose, signs of an overdose, and how to respond to save a victim. Many harm reduction programs also help drug users gain access to naloxone, a medication that counters the effects of an opioid overdose. By training drug users to resuscitate overdose victims and administer naloxone, harm reduction programs can dramatically reduce deaths from overdose. In a study published in the British Medical Journal, communities saw up to a 40 percent reduction in overdose mortality when they provide overdose prevention education and naloxone access.

An overdose rescue kit contains two doses of naloxone, directions and the necessary supplies to administer it.

NC Harm Reduction Coalition (NCHRC) is an advocate for implementing Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) programs in North Carolina. LEAD is a pre-booking diversion pilot program developed with the community to address low-level drug and crimes associated with sex work. The program allows police and sheriffs to redirect low-level offenders engaged in drug or sex work activity to community-based programs and services, instead of jail and prosecution. By diverting eligible individuals to services, LEAD is committed to improving public safety and public order, and reducing the criminal behavior of people who participate in the program.

Syringe Exchange is legal in NC as of July 2016 (2016’s HB972). Syringe exchange programs collect used syringes from people who inject drugs and exchange them for sterile syringes and access to social services, including substance addiction treatment. Syringe exchange programs became legal in North Carolina on July 11, 2016, the day Governor McCrory signed House Bill 972 into law (G.S. 90-113.27). House Bill 972 also regulates the release of law enforcement body camera footage (NCHRC did not participate in the drafting in that section of the bill).

According to G.S. 90-113.27, no employee, volunteer or participant of the syringe exchange can be charged with possession of syringes or other injection supplies, or with residual amounts of controlled substances in them, obtained from or returned to a syringe exchange. Syringe exchange programs will supply a card, letter, or other documentation to each participant stating that they obtained their syringes from the exchange.

Linkage to care programs are vital for marginalized persons. This program provides a warm handoff from the outreach team. Referrals to services such as prenatal care, medical care, and treatment engagement.

Harm reduction programs develop and implement innovative models to address the immediate health and safety of people who use drugs. While each program has tailored respective models to meet the needs of the communities served. Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), Overdose Aftercare, Prevention and Naloxone Distribution, Medical Care, and Anti-Stigma Activities.
Drug User Health Hubs provide a crucial means to address immediate health needs such as wound and abscess care, access to sterile injection and other safer use materials, and health and safer use education. Health Hub staff can provide assessment and triage of presenting health needs and assist with treatment referral, navigation, and follow-up. Screening for HIV, Hepatitis C, and STD’s can be provided as can vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B.

Harm reduction programs are uniquely positioned to facilitate immediate access to effective evidence-based treatment using buprenorphine. Activities may include assessment for buprenorphine, medical intake and assessment, prescribing and induction, dosage determination and maintenance. Prescribing includes follow-up sessions with staff to promote treatment adherence.