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People who use drugs deserve the same access to care and life-saving materials as everyone else. We provide harm reduction services to help you remain safe and healthy while using drugs and having sex.

Our harm reduction services include:

  • 24/7/365 access to FREE safer-use supplies via our harm reduction vending machine
  • Weekly, evening syringe services to access FREE safer-use supplies
  • Overdose prevention, safer use and safer sex education
  • HIV and hepatitis C testing
  • Referrals to social services, including treatment options if desired
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Learn About

Safer-Use Options

*We are grateful to Interact for Health for their crucial support in funding the launch of Caracole’s harm reduction vending machine.

Call (513) 399-6969 to speak to a Harm Reduction Services Coordinator.

Meet our team

Harm Reduction Services

Kelsey Rider
Kelsey Rider
Harm Reduction Services Coordinator
she/her/hers
Rachel Lamb
Rachel Lamb
Harm Reduction Services Coordinator
she/her/hers
Taylor Selman
Taylor Selman
Harm Reduction Services Coordinator
he/they

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 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.

Can I exchange syringes at Caracole?

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.

What kind of services can I get during exchange?

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
Where can I get naloxone?

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.

What if I can’t get to your exchange site?

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.

Is there a safer way to use drugs?

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.

What if I don’t want to use drugs anymore?

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

Caracole wants to make sure that you and your friends and family are treated with respect. If we have not lived up to this promise, we need you to let us know. Please download and follow our guide to report a concern.

Your rights as a Caracole client:

  • RESPECT: You and your friends and family will be treated with respect and honor.
  • FAIRNESS: You and your friends and family will not be treated differently because of your race, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, appearance, religion, spirituality, ethnicity, national origin, past history, military service, health or age.
  • PRIVACY: You can expect to have your privacy protected. We won’t share your information without your permission
  • CARE: You and your friends and family have the right to receive high quality care at Caracole. In order to make that happen, we need you to stay involved with your service plan.
  • COMMUNICATION: Our staff members will respond to your questions, concerns, and requests in a reasonable amount of time. We will provide services in your language using an interpreter if needed.
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4138 Hamilton Ave, Cincinnati OH 45223

(513) 761-1480
[email protected]

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