Harm Reduction

Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use. Harm Reduction is also a movement for social justice built on a belief in, and respect for, the rights of people who use drugs.

No. Harm reduction doesn’t encourage people to use drugs. It helps them make healthier choices, no matter where they are on their journey. It also makes it easier to get care, support, and treatment—if and when they’re ready.

Harm reduction strategies—like providing new syringes at syringe service programs (SSPs), safer injection/smoking supplies, increasing access to testing and treatment, and offering education on safer-use practices—help prevent the spread of HIV, hepatitis C and other infections, since blood can live on many of these items.

Yes, there are many things that we can do to take care of ourselves and reduce the risks associated with using drugs. To learn more, check out our Safer Use Tips article.

Located outside of our Northside office, our harm reduction vending machine offers free, confidential access to safer-use supplies. To get started, just call (513) 399-6969 or stop by during office hours (Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM) to complete a quick, private sign-up with our team. You’ll get a personal code to use the machine once a week for 90 days. You can learn more about our harm reduction vending machine at caracole.org/safer-use-supplies.

You’re not alone. Our team offers support and education to help you feel more confident having those conversations with your partner.

Caracole is one of several syringe service locations run by Hamilton County Public Health in the region. We host their exchange every Thursday evening from 4:00–8:00 PM at our Northside office.

Hamilton County Public Health provides free access to sterile syringes and safe disposal of used syringes during the exchange.

Caracole’s FREE services include:

• Vending machine registration
• Help with PrEP (a medication that prevents HIV infection) access
• Naloxone and fentanyl test strips
• Safer use equipment, including cookers, sterile water and bleach
• Overdose prevention education and safer sex materials
• Tests for HIV and hepatitis C
• Referrals to social services and treatment, if desired
• Brown bag lunches (when available) from our partners at Our Daily

That’s okay. Hamilton County Public Health hosts several other sites throughout the week. For up-to-date information on exchange dates, times, and locations, text “Locations” to 22999 to be signed up for automatic text messages from Hamilton County Public Health every day there is an exchange. Message will include syringe exchange location and time details, as well as cancellation notifications. You can also check out their Facebook page.

In the meantime, Caracole’s harm reduction team can provide HIV and Hepatitis C testing and education, as well as provide naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and other safer drug use supplies for FREE through our harm reduction vending machine. Give us a call or text (513) 399-6969 to learn more.

Life-saving naloxone, also known as Narcan, is available free from Caracole’s harm reduction team. Free naloxone—both spray and intramuscular—is also available 24/7/365 from our harm reduction vending machine located outside the rear entrance at:
Caracole
4138 Hamilton Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45223

For more information on how to access our vending machine supplies, see  the “Machine Access” section at caracole.org/what-we-do/safer-use-supplies.

You can also visit nextdistro.org/hro for more locations/ways to get free naloxone.

Caracole offers numerous ways to access safer-sex supplies. Condoms, lube and safer-sex kits are available in the lobby of our Northside office, right inside our front door. For after-hours needs, Caracole’s harm reduction vending machine is stocked with safer-sex kits, including condoms, lube and Plan B. You can also get supplies at community events or through our outreach team.

Yes. We offer free, fast and confidential testing for HIV and hepatitis C in-person at our office, throughout the community on our testing van or at community events. You can also pick up an HIV self-testing kit from our Northside office, our vending machine or request one by mail for use at home or in any private location to find out your HIV status.

We can help. Our harm reduction team works alongside people to identify their goals and come up with a strategy to meet your needs.