NCHRC Overview

NCHRC is North Carolina’s only comprehensive harm reduction program. NCHRC engages in grassroots advocacy, resource development, coalition building and direct services for those made vulnerable by drug use, sex work, overdose, immigration status, gender, STIs, HIV and hepatitis. NCHRC also provides resources and support to the law enforcement, public health and provider communities.

We believe that the key to bringing law enforcement, sex workers, crack smokers, injection drug users and others who engage in high-risk activities and services closer to prevention and health services is to treat every person, regardless of their circumstance or condition, with dignity and respect. NCHRC’s nonjudgmental approach allows our members to move through a process of self- discovery and self-empowerment at their own pace. By developing relationships based on honesty, community, tolerance and cooperation, our staff helps people live healthier and more fulfilling lives while raising the health index of the community.

What is Harm Reduction?

Harm reduction refers to a range of public health policies designed to reduce the harmful consequences associated with drug use, sex work and other high risk activities. Harm reduction is an alternative and, in some cases, a complement to the more conventional approaches of demand and supply reduction.

“The help I got from the harm reduction program was more than just clean equipment, it was about being with people who didn’t judge me for my addiction, and who really wanted to help.” - Sam, a former drug user and sex worker in North Carolina

Where is NCHRC Located?

NCHRC's main office is in Durham, NC, but we also have staff in Aberdeen and Asheville and consultants all over the state.  Our staff and consultants are mostly based in the community, so please call before visiting any of our sites.

NCHRC Programs and Services

NCHRC provides the following programs and services:

• Syringe decriminalization and overdose prevention advocacy
• Harm Reduction outreach and services
• Overdose prevention clinic, naloxone access and overdose prevention programming
• Transgender, drug user and Hepatitis C support/advocacy groups
• User group support and education
• Sex Worker risk reduction programing
• Hepatitis C counseling, rapid testing and referral services
• Law enforcement needlestick reduction and overdose prevention advocacy and training
• Corrections services: train people living and residing in corrections with trainings on overdose prevention, harm reduction and hepatitis
• Neighborhood biohazard cleanup
• Free workshops and training on: Protecting Police and Public Servants from Needlesticks, Harm Reduction, Drug Use Risk Reduction, Hepatitis, HIV, Overdose Prevention, SEPs, Working with People of Transgender Experience, Biohazard Collection and Working with Sex Workers
• Safer sex education, including utilization of the reality condom (aka the female condom)
• Referrals to drug treatment, health services, mental health services, sexual assault support agencies, domestic violence support services, hepatitis medical services and AIDS service agencies

All services are provided in a non-judgmental manner without regard to gender, culture, language, sexuality, immigration status, lifestyle choice or life experience