Harm reduction began decades ago when the U.S. government mandated seatbelts and motorcycle helmets as public health policies providing preventions and protections for entire populations.
In partnership with Buncombe County Department of Health and Human Services, Sunrise’s Overdose Prevention Program is a proactive and evidence-based approach to reduce the negative personal and public health impacts of behavior associated with substance use at both the individual and community levels. Our work is grounded in protecting the safety and dignity of program participants.
Our Certified Peer Support Specialists with their own lived experience with overdose prevention “meet people where they are” and provide peer support, resource connection, safety precaution and education. We provide these resources without judgement, coercion, or discrimination and recognize that this program can be a pathway to prevention, treatment and recovery services.
SAFETY IS THE POINT
Evidence shows that overdose prevention saves lives by preventing drug-related deaths and offering access to healthcare, social services and treatment. This results in a reduction of overdose fatalities, acute life-threatening infections related to unsterile drug injection and chronic disease such as HIV/HCV.
Our Peer Support Specialists have the unique opportunity to establish trusted and consistent relationships with a population that is typically hidden, fearful of authority and isolated from the community, and can instill hope and possibility for a better future. Call 828-774-7845 to speak to someone in our Overdose Prevention Program or
click here to access Overdose Prevention resources.
WHAT WE DO:
- Connect individuals to overdose education and referral to treatment providers in a safe, non-judgemental space.
- Distribute overdose reversal medications.
(e.g. Naloxone/Narcan) - Provide trainings on harm reduction 101 and overdose prevention.
- Distribute sterile injection equipment to reduce the spread of infectious diseases and prevent injury or death from infections.
- Maintain multiple safe syringe disposal units.
- Provide Free safer use and safer sex supplies.
- Provide Rapid Hep C and HIV testing and a counselor to connect you to resources if tested positive.
- Provide Fentanyl and Xylazine testing strips.
- Provide Safe Smoke supplies
- Partner with UNC Chapel Hill with safe chemical testing to better inform the community and be educated on best practices for treatment.