Minimizing the Impact
Needle Exchange Sites List
(In pdf* format. Updated March 10, 2010)
Background
Recognizing that all individuals deserve services and should be able to access these services regardless of their drug use, Homeless Health Care Los Angeles provides needle exchange and other supportive services at the Center for Harm Reduction located in the Downtown Skid Row area. This critical, life-saving program not only decreases the number of injectors sharing syringes and potentially contaminated cookers, cotton, rinse water, and other paraphernalia that have been associated with the transmission of HIV, Hepatitis, and other infectious diseases, but also offers a place for the safe disposal of such materials, thus removing them from possible public contact. By providing this service we seek to protect and improve the health and safety of the user, their families, associates and/or partners, as well as the community at large.
We do not attempt to downplay the potential risks of drug use, but rather, seek to mitigate the negative consequences associated with injection drug use by utilizing a set of practical harm reduction strategies. Therefore, drug use is addressed as a public and personal health issue — services are not contingent upon abstinence from drugs. We meet participants in their environment, accept them as they are, and assist them in meeting their identified needs or concerns. This approach and perspective allows staff to focus on the immediate harms in the injector’s life and work towards realistic, achievable goals. The non-judgmental nature of the harm reduction program fosters a climate in which active injection drug users begin to learn about substance use treatment options, health care, mental health care, and other ancillary support, and contemplate seeking such assistance, and when they are ready, access these resources.
Services
- Sterile syringes
- Safe injection supplies and other materials and information
- Medical services (abscess and wound care), health screenings (TB screening, HIV and Hepatitis counseling and testing)
- Naloxone overdose prevention and response training program
- Access to substance use and mental health treatment services (detox, residential, outpatient)
- Weekly harm reduction and therapy support groups
- Other ancillary support- case management, individual and group counseling, and transportation
For more information on Harm Reduction, please call 213-617-8408 or email the HHCLA Harm Reduction Coordinator.
For Additional resources on harm reduction and overdose prevention visit the Los Angeles Overdose Prevention Task Force website.
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Healing Arts and Wellness Site
HHCLA is steering health care and social services for the homeless to more preventative and self-empowering levels. The Healing Arts and Wellness Site (in Downtown’s “Skid Row” in our expanded Center for Harm Reduction) is a collaboration between Homeless Health Care L.A. and the Corporation for Supportive Housing, the mission of which is to improve the health of Los Angeles homeless by offering free preventive care such as: Acupuncture, HIV Counseling & Testing, Art & Wellness Workshops, Computer and IT access, Tea and Games, Case Management and so much more.
Services
HIV Counseling & Testing
Pre and post counseling & testing, resources to HIV services.
Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10:00-2:30
Acupuncture
Safe, painless and effective; helps reduce pain, anxiety, and discomfort.
Tuesday and Thursday 10:00-12:00
Case Management
Resources and referrals to health and mental health agencies; drug and alcohol treatment programs; emergency shelters; food pantries; housing services; public benefits; transportation; and other social services.
Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 8:30-2:30
Art Workshop
Create art through self-expression. All supplies and materials are provided. You create the art with the assistance from our Art Instructor.
Tuesday and Thursday 1:30-2:30
Computer & Internet Clinic
Surf the Net. If it is your first time surfing the internet, our staff will guide you and help you. If you do not have an email address, we can help you create one. If you are familiar with the internet, computers are open for your use.
Friday 10:00-12:00
Game Time and Recreation Activities
Want to play games? Do you like to play UNO, Dominoes, Scrabble, Chess, or maybe a game of checkers? Come and meet new people alike and make new friends.
Friday 1:00-3:30
Tea Time and Bingo
Tea time is a break during your day that allows you to socialize with other members. Why not a game of Bingo? Bingo prizes will be given away.
Tea Time: Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 12:00-1:00
Bingo: Thursdays 12:00-1:00
Tea or Coffee and a Morning Walk
Come and join us for a cup of tea or coffee followed by a morning walk. Get some exercise in while enjoying the start of a new day!
Friday 8:30-9:30
For more information on the Healing Arts and Wellness Center, please call 213-617-8408 or email the HHCLA HAWC Coordinator.