Harm reduction resources & support

Too often, those who have never faced drug addiction or dependence don’t understand its deeper roots, and rather than make attempts to understand, they condemn any and all practices associated with it. Harm reduction is different. With Amador Health Clinic, our harm reduction practices provide illicit drug users with ideas and options for safer behaviors, as well as a judgement-free atmosphere to help uncover the buried issues underlying their dependence.

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Safer practices create a safer world for all.

Amador’s harm reduction resources form a safe and accepting environment for drug users to feel open to discuss their dependence without fear of judgment or condemnation. Rather than push drug users to feel ashamed of their addiction, we encourage drug users to take steps to practice safer drug use, and eventually, recognize the strength they possess to start recovery.

Amador’s harm reduction resources include safe syringe exchange, Narcan training and distribution, HIV/Hep C testing, and acudetox (ear acupuncture). These resources, with highly trained staff, ensure that your drug use is less dangerous without necessitating the complete abstinence of substances. When you are ready, referrals to our medication assisted treatment (MAT) may be done.

Finding safe, free, and accepting resources for drug use and recovery is possible with Amador Health Center.

Harm Reduction Services

Monday – Thursday, 7:30 am – 5:00 pm; Friday, 7:30 am – 12:00 pm

at the curbside window in the Annex; ring bell/buzzer for service

Syringe Exchange

Amador’s harm reduction resources include our safe & secure Syringe Exchange Program, providing vital services for intravenous drug users, including sterile syringes, new injection equipment, hazardous waste disposal, and risk reduction therapy, as well as referrals to effective substance abuse services and programs.

Narcan® Training/Distribution

Amador’s harm reduction team is an active Narcan® Training/Distribution partner, educating individuals on the use of Narcan® or naloxone in reviving users of suspected opioid overdose, and instructing individuals on how to safely administer the medicine to those in dire need. Our team also distributes Narcan® to drug users in hopes of preventing possible overdose.

Rapid HIV/Hep C Testing

Exposure to blood-borne viruses and diseases is another unfortunate result of dependent drug use, especially in the case of intravenous drug users. Amador Health Center, with its community partners, administers Rapid HIV & Hepatitis C tests that detect virus antibodies in less than 30 minutes during the same office or clinic visit. Knowing your health status immediately with these tests is often key to starting treatment at an earlier point in disease progression. The Amador Health Center now offers medical evaluation and direct-acting antiviral treatment for persons with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV).

Additional harm reduction services

By appointment only; call ahead for days/hours available

Acudetox

Acudetox is an emerging therapeutic method used at our health center that counteracts the effects of drug detoxification as your body attempts to stabilize following heavy drug use. Acudetox uses the healing powers of acupuncture to relieve your body of stress and pain, keeping you focused on long-term sobriety and recovery without the use of additional medications.