FAQ

Q. What is harm reduction?

A. Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing the public health risks associated with drug use. Harm Reduction calls for the non-judgmental, non-coercive provision of services and resources to people who use drugs, and the communities in which they live, in order to assist them in reducing harm. Harm Reduction is not the opposite of Recovery, it is just the more patient and sustainable route.

 

Q. What does the Harm Reduction Action Center do?

A. Since 2002, the Harm Reduction Action Center (HRAC) has been the primary provider of emergency, health, and human services to people who inject drugs (PWID) in Colorado. We are keeping Denver healthier and safer with proper syringe disposal, clean syringes, access to on-demand HIV/HCV testing, health education classes, street outreach, and referrals to mental health/substance use treatment.

 

Q. How does the Harm Reduction Action Center benefit the community?

A. HRAC staff and participants are invested in the health and safety of the neighborhood in which we serve. 4 days a week, HRAC staff conduct neighborhood clean ups within the 4 block radius of our fixed site to clean up trash and other litter. Syringe exchanges also benefit community health and safety by ensuring that used syringes are properly disposed rather than discarded on the streets. As an agency, HRAC has been awarded multiple good neighbor awards, including a SEED award from Capitol Hill United Neighbors (CHUN), the oldest and largest neighborhood association in Denver!

 

Q. Does providing sterile syringes encourage PWID to use more drugs?

A. People use drugs. While we wholeheartedly support substance use treatment and recovery efforts, we know that the most effective way to prevent the spread HIV or Hepatitis C (HCV) is to stop it at its source: the needle. By meeting people who use drugs “where they’re at” in the spectrum of their use, we encourage any positive changes that our participants are ready and able to make. We know that our participants care about their lives and their wellbeing. We strive to provide the knowledge, tools, and support they need to make safer and healthier decisions.

 

Q. Do you provide Fentanyl test strips and Naloxone?

A. HRAC provides Fentanyl test strips, Naloxone, and overdose prevention education to any and all enrolled participants. We do not provide Fentanyl test strips or Naloxone to community members. If you would like more information on where to get Fentanyl test strips or Naloxone, we encourage you to check out the following resources.