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!

The Humboldt Area Center for Harm Reduction would like to send a shout out to the North Coast Co-Op Cooperative Community Fund for providing HACHR with the funds to purchase a new fridge/freezer and stove for their newly remolded kitchen. Having access to grant funding like this is life changing in the world of harm reduction.

As active drug users, HACHR consumers are among some of the most at-risk people in the Humboldt community, comprised of many individuals who are homeless, veterans, and/or experiencing various other health conditions, ranging from mental illness to Hepatitis and HIV. Because of the stigma of drug use, intersecting with other marginalizations experienced by this population (e.g., homelessness, mental health status, etc.), this group is often overlooked by other programs and services. Many of our consumers also have health issues related to homelessness and/or drug use. In addition to this, our consumers also face food insecurity; lacking consistent access to food.

By having access to HACHR, many of these consumers also have access to healthy, home-cooked meals. And, now that our organization has a real refrigerator (we had a mini-fridge before) and a stove (we cooked primarily on a hot plate or in a microwave), we can prepare food for consumers with ease, and maximum food storage capabilities. These appliance are going to be a tremendous addition to our organization!

So again, thank you to the North Coast Co-Op Cooperative Community Fund, and to Poletski’s Appliances for helping us to choose (and afford) the best appliances. We appreciate the support of a local business.

How to Speak Out for HACHR:

Send an email to Eureka City Council! They need to hear from you by Tuesday, December 18th at 5:00pm. Click HACHR City Council Example Letter for a sample letter.  Click here for City Council’s contact information.

Attend City Council on December 19th! We need your face, and your voice, to show City Council vigilante groups do not speak for all of us. Come to show your support for HACHR and the work we do. The Eureka City Council meets at 6:00pm at 531 K Street.

Get Informed! Learn about Harm Reduction! Help stop the spread of misinformation by getting informed. Our newly revamped web site has Frequently Asked Questions to help you through these difficult discussions with your neighbors and coworkers.

Get Involved! We are always looking for volunteers to maintain our high level of service. From community clean ups, to holiday events, we could use your help! Sign up to be a volunteer on our web site.

Follow us on Social Media! We use Facebook and Instagram to spread correct information about harm reduction and HACHR. Follow us, and share the real information to your social networks to help spread the word.

Take it to the Next Level! Consider writing a letter to the editor or opinion piece for a local media outlet (like the Times Standard). Let the community hear your story, and your voice—let them know HACHR and harm reduction have strong supporters in Humboldt County and beyond!