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Press release from HACHR:

We are extremely disappointed at the recent statement released by the City of Eureka opposing Humboldt Area Center for Harm Reduction’s (HACHR) state reauthorization. We look forward to speaking with City officials about their concerns. HACHR has been transparent with local officials and we welcome community members to collaborate in seeking solutions to the complex issues of substance use and the health and well-being of all people.

HACHR is an important community resource. We offer a large array of services including syringe exchange, overdose prevention, HIV and Hepatitis C testing, Medication Assisted Treatment for opioid use, case management, wound care, PPE and other COVID related prevention, food, clothes, community education, and connecting participants to important resources such as primary care, housing, veterans services, and mental health services. We partner with multiple local, state, and national organizations to ensure that our policies and practices are in alignment with the most current standards of care. In addition, we adhere to evidence based harm reduction practices supported by the California Department of Public Health, the Center for Disease Control, and the World Health Organization.

We would like to directly address some of the accusations included in the statement release by the City of Eureka.

  • HACHR has a zero tolerance policy for drug use or selling on HACHR property. All people accessing services at HACHR are made aware of this policy and sign an agreement to adhere to this policy.
  • HACHR does not promote methamphetamine or any other substance use. HACHR recognizes that people use drugs and follows harm reduction principles and practices by meeting people where they are. We do not enable drug use; we enable health and well-being through nationally recognized harm reduction interventions. Safe smoking kits are an evidence based harm reduction tool. 
  • HACHR takes syringe litter very seriously and has always had syringe clean up as a part of our work. We have a dedicated staff person who picks up improperly discarded syringes and builds relationships with local businesses and community members who have syringe litter concerns. Proper syringe disposal education is a key part of the services we provide.

HACHR is committed to the entirety our amazing community, including people who use drugs, people experiencing houselessness, and other marginalized people. To this end, we keep an open door policy, welcoming anyone who needs services or wants to learn more about us. We continue to proactively reach out to address community concerns and are committed to engaging in productive dialogue.

Sincerely,

Lasara Firefox Allen, Executive Director
Sarah Kerr, Board chair
Andrew Reynolds, Board member
Ashlie Crews, Board member
Thomas Ewing, Board member
Glen Hays, Board member
Tia Baratelle, Board member
Jarrett Nicholson, Board member
Jessica Smith, Board member