Program Description

BOSTON-BASED OVERDOSE PREVENTION PROGRAMS

Each year in Massachusetts, more people die of fatal opioid overdoses than from car accidents. Seeing a need to stem this critical issue, the state of Massachusetts identified 15 at-risk communities throughout the commonwealth, one of which was South Boston. Through education focused around overdose risk factors, those battling addiction and their loved ones can now learn the signs of an overdose and know what to do if one occurs.

 AHOPE – Addicts Health Opportunity Prevention Education

 The AHOPE program provides education, training, and safety supplies to active users to reduce the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C infection, and to prevent fatal and nonfatal overdose.  AHOPE also provides referrals to substance abuse treatment programs. AHOPE serves several Boston neighborhoods through mobile van services, street outreach, and home visits.

 Addiction affects more than just the addict, which is why our program aims to not only serve opioid and injection drug users, but also their friends, family, and healthcare providers.  If you know someone battling addiction, contact AHOPE to learn about harm reduction and overdose prevention strategies.

AHOPE – Nasal Narcan Pilot Program

AHOPE is now the Boston site for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Opioid Overdose Prevention and Reversal Project. The project trains opioid users and their families on how to prevent, recognize, and intervene during an opioid overdose. The training covers the importance of calling 911, how to perform rescue breathing, the administration of nasal Narcan, and instructions for after-Narcan care. The project also offers counseling and referrals to substance abuse treatment for all participants who are misusing opioids.

 
The AHOPE Program is a harm reduction and needle exchange site providing a range of service to active injection drug users, including:

• Rapid HIV testing
• Integrated HIV/ Hepatitis/ and STI testing
• Free, legal, and anonymous needle exchange
• Supported referrals to HIV, Hepatitis, and STI treatment
• Overdose prevention education and training, including enrollment in the Massachusetts Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution (OEND) Program
• Risk reductions supplies to reduce the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C infection
• Risk reduction counseling
• Supported referrals to all modalities of substance abuse treatment

AHOPE services are available at the walk-in center at 774 Albany Street and through mobile van and outreach sites around Boston. For the AHOPE van schedule, please call 1-800-383-2437.

Who is eligible?
The program serves active injection drug users in the Boston metropolitan area. Families, friends, and healthcare providers may contact AHOPE to learn about harm reduction and overdose prevention strategies for active users.