The Harm Reduction Coalition of Santa Cruz County is seeking public comment on a “county-wide, low-barrier, evidence-based Mobile Outreach Program” that would distribute the opioid antagonist Narcan and sterile syringes and assist with wound care to reduce overdose deaths and illness among drug users.
“As California enters the fourth wave of the opioid crisis,” the coalition said in a release, it “will implement interventions and prevention strategies proven to reduce drug-related harm by removing barriers to dignified and equitable access to harm reduction services.”
The mobile service would be available for individuals in geographically isolated areas of the county who are otherwise unable to receive services due to lack of transportation, privacy concerns or disability, the group said.
The Mobile Harm Reduction Program will expand the organization’s capacity for:
- Ongoing safe syringe disposal and clean-up efforts, including a dedicated tool for the public to request a syringe clean-up for HRCSCC to respond promptly.
- No-cost overdose response and prevention training and harm reduction workshops for schools, treatment programs and community-based organizations.
- Delivery of naloxone and safe syringe-disposal containers to community members, schools, treatment programs and community-based organizations supporting at-risk individuals.
“The Harm Reduction Coalition of Santa Cruz County has exhibited a clear dedication to a comprehensive approach to harm reduction, which includes education, distribution of safer sex supplies and referrals to Medication Assisted Treatment programs that are critical in effectively addressing substance use disorders,” said Dr. Lisa Hernandez, Santa Cruz County health officer. “We rely on our partners such as HRCSCC to provide harm reduction and MAT services to participants when and where we cannot.”
For more information about the Harm Reduction Coalition of Santa Cruz County and to provide comment on its Mobile Harm Reduction Program plans, visit www.hrcofscc.org.
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