Unsure about how to safely pick up and dispose of a discarded sharp on the ground? This handy PSA has got you covered! And remember, if you don’t feel comfortable handling sharps, call HACHR and we can come pick them up!

Image Credit: @beyondtype1

WE ARE NOW AN HIV/HCV QUALIFIED TESTING CENTER!

Since the day we imagined HACHR we have always imagined and in-house Testing to Treatment program. This vision included on site testing and linkage to care and we have diligently been working toward this goal  for a number of years now. We have finally achieved it! We are now one a handful of State and Federally qualified HIV/HCV testing centers locally. We are working with Open Door Community Health Centers to have the ability to immediately connect people with treatment and other resources. We have two Ohio State Masters in Social Work Students who are building and developing case management and navigator positions within our organization. We know the Gold Standard is less referrals and more warm hand offs and that is an approach we value, this newest accomplishment even further solidifies that model into our own program operations.

If you or someone you know may need to be tested please reach out so that we may help get you connected with testing and other services as needed. this service is not only for people who use drugs but is also available for anyone who may be at risk.

The Humboldt Area Center for Harm Reduction would like to share with you our program’s two year annual report.

To review the full report, click here.

We are incredibly excited to announce our most recent partnership with HepCarestream.

HepCarestream is nurse owned and managed 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 2016. They are committed to finding solutions to the Hepatitis C and opioid epidemics at a grassroots level in underserved communities.  They also provide community education and testing free of charge, throughout the entire region.  HepCarestream is committed to the realization of a world without Hepatitis C.

HepCarestream Nursing Drop-In Hours – Thursday 10:00am to 2:00pm

Jennifer Slepin MSN, RN is partnering with HACHR to offer consumers a variety of services including soft tissue care and management, local care provider connections, referrals to HCV treatment and testing, wound care, and problem solving around safe injection techniques. Stop by HACHR today to meet with Jennifer!

The Humboldt Area Center for Harm Reduction sends a huge thank you to the Humboldt Area Foundation for providing us with the funds to support newly developed peer-led positions.

HACHR has long recognized that we live in a community that cannot and (more importantly) will not consistently give employment opportunities to people who use drugs. As a result, people who use drugs often lack access to income, professional development, training, and community relationships. HACHR is actively working to change this.

Prior to the funding support from HAF, HACHR was only able to employ one peer employee. He is paid via monthly stipend, and takes his position incredibly seriously. During his time of employment, he has made more progress in his health and well-being than he has in the past twenty years. He is now connected to social services, health services, and for the first time in twenty years, is in possession of a valid ID and Social Security Card. He is living proof that all some folks need is a chance; someone to believe in them, and meet them where they’re at. Through the help of HAF, at least three more people will gain the opportunity to become employed leaders in their community. Our hope is that they too will find purpose and work towards improving their overall physical, mental, and emotional health.

This weekend, HACHR hit the streets! Our community has an alarming shortage of public bathrooms which puts us at exponential risk of an outbreak of Hepatitis A. One way to help prevent the spread of Hepatitis A is to power wash areas that may have been used for bathroom purposes. HACHR has recently purchased a power washer and uses it on a regular basis to clean our property and surrounding spaces.

We would like to see more public bathrooms but until then we will keep doing our part in preventing the spread of Hepatitis A.

This weekend we also held volunteer training and block clean up! Thanks to our amazing Volunteer Coordinator, Jorge, for facilitating such a wonderful training! We are Chamber of Commerce members and adopted our organization’s block a while back and continue to maintain our small part. We encourage everyone to join Chamber and adopt a block! It’s important to keep our gutters free of trash and weeds so that our drainage systems work effectively. We hope you too will join Chamber and adopt a block!

HACHR sends a heartfelt thank you to Bombas for donating 144 pairs of brand new socks to our organization. Our consumers are always in need of clean, dry socks and we are very thankful to have an abundant supply!

Many of HACHR’s consumers are without homes, often facing difficulties with laundry, and obtaining clean socks. Research shows that foot problems are prevalent among those without homes and are often attributed to extended exposure to moisture, poor footwear, prolonged standing and walking, poor foot hygiene, and repetitive trauma. Living on the streets can also put those without homes at risk for parasites, infections, and frostbite. Warm, clean socks play a fundamental role in the prevention of these risks.

Thank you, Bombas!