Harm Reduction Institute
We aim to make harm reduction services accessible for all individuals in our community.
About
We are a 501(c)(3) organization that provides harm reduction services in Orange County, California. Harm reduction is a public health approach that focuses on minimizing the harmful effects of drugs and reducing judgment for people who use drugs. Since 2020, we have offered services that are aimed to prevent the spread of HIV, Hepatitis C, and prevent opioid-related overdose. We also offer supplies to assist with wound care and safer sex, as well as case management to help Orange County community members access housing, treatment, and other resources.
Our Work
We strive to meet the most marginalized and ostracized members of our community where they are at in life and provide judgment-free, empathetic, supportive, and needed medical outreach to mitigate the greater health and social consequences of addiction. We contend that providing harm reduction services amid the largest opioid epidemic in our nation’s history will improve public health, build a supportive and loving community, and achieve superior health care outcomes with respect to addiction. Our focus is keeping our clients as healthy as possible so they can enter addiction treatment when they are ready.
Harm Reduction
According to the National Harm Reduction Coalition (NHRC), harm reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use. Harm reduction is also a movement for social justice built on a belief in, and respect for, the rights of people who use drugs. Learn more about the principles of harm reduction on the NHRC website. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) describes harm reduction as a proactive and evidence-based approach to reduce the negative personal and public health impacts of behavior associated with alcohol and other substance use at both the individual and community levels. Read more about why harm reduction services are needed on the SAMHSA website.
Our Goal
Our goal is to provide services that prevent the harms associated with drug use in Orange County. This includes preventing overdoses and decreasing the spread of diseases.
We currently provide the distribution of Naloxone and overdose training for individuals and nonprofit organizations. Additionally, we conduct street outreach to provide harm reduction supplies to unhoused individuals and case management to link clients with housing and treatment for substance use, mental health, and medical care.
We are applying to operate a California State Authorized home delivery Syringe Service Program in the city of Santa Ana. Receiving state authorization through the California Department of Public Health will allow us to provide free sterile syringes and the safe disposal of used syringes for clients who contact us. After we assess our clients’ needs, we will drive to their location and drop off their supplies. We will provide these services in addition to offering naloxone and case management.
