North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition

Overview

The North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition (NCHRC) is a statewide grassroots organization in the United States, dedicated to implementing harm reduction interventions. NCHRC focuses on public health strategies, drug policy transformation, and justice reform, primarily in North Carolina and extending its reach to the broader American South.

Mission and Vision

Mission: NCHRC seeks to encourage and motivate the implementation of harm reduction interventions, public health strategies, drug policy transformation, and criminal justice reform. This is achieved through leadership, advocacy, resource development, policy development, and education.

Vision: NCHRC aims to bring people who use drugs, engage in sex work, or have a history of incarceration closer to disease prevention, health services, and reduced recidivism by treating every individual with dignity and respect. This nonjudgmental approach supports individuals as they progress through stages of change toward healthier, more fulfilling lives, while enhancing community health and safety.

Services and Programs

NCHRC offers a variety of services and programs designed to reduce the negative consequences associated with drug use. These include:

• Sterile Syringe and Safe Disposal Programs: Providing sterile syringes and safe disposal containers to reduce the spread of infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis.
• Naloxone and Overdose Prevention Training: Distributing naloxone to prevent overdose deaths and offering training on its use.
• Fentanyl Test Strips: Supplying test strips for drug-checking to ensure users are aware of potential contaminants in their substances.
• Safer Use Supplies: Offering safer sex, snorting, and smoking supplies.
• Health Testing and Services: Conducting tests for HIV, HCV, HBV, and syphilis, along with wound care and hygiene supplies.
• Peer Support and Linkage to Care: Providing peer support and connecting individuals with necessary care and treatment services.

Advocacy and Partnerships

NCHRC engages in grassroots advocacy and coalition building, working closely with public health officials, law enforcement, and community leaders. By fostering partnerships, NCHRC promotes policy changes that support evidence-based harm reduction practices, aiming to create a safer, more supportive environment for drug users and communities.

Cultural Impact and Community Building

NCHRC's approach is grounded in respect for human rights and a commitment to social justice. By treating individuals with dignity, the organization empowers community members to seek help without fear of judgment. This philosophy has led to powerful community connections and a sense of belonging among participants, fostering a supportive network critical to harm reduction efforts.

Conclusion

The North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition plays a crucial role in advancing harm reduction strategies and supporting the health and safety of communities in North Carolina. By combining advocacy with direct service delivery, NCHRC works towards a future where drug users receive equitable access to healthcare and social services, ultimately reducing the public health risks associated with drug use.

[1] https://www.orangecountync.gov/2853/Harm-Reduction-Resources-in-Orange-Count [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Harm_Reduction_Coalition [3] https://www.nchrc.org [4] https://harmreduction.org [5] https://www.med.unc.edu/fammed/nctac/resources/harm-reduction-2/