Project Connects Harm Reduction & HIV Prevention

• Why Harm Reduction/Overdose Prevention Works
• Syringe Access Services
• Our Schedule
• Overdose Prevention
• HIV and Hep C Prevention
• Harm Reduction for Opioids and Other Substances
• Naloxone Information
• Community Resources and Referrals
• Schedule a Naloxone Training

Naloxone

People who use drugs are often the first responders to an overdose. If you or someone you know uses opioids, carrying and knowing how to administer Naloxone could save a life in the event of an overdose. Our Harm Reduction team holds Informational sessions and provides Naloxone to anyone interested. Register here for an upcoming information session and to pick up Naloxone.

Our program was created using an evidence-based approach that aims to reduce health and social harms associated with substance use. We provide a safe, non-judgmental place to exchange used syringes for sterile injection equipment.

We aim to empower participants to maintain and improve their own health while preventing opioid overdose and HIV/Hepatitis C transmission within Adams County. The Harm Reduction team:

• Provides a space for people to be open about their drug use and sexual behavior so it’s not hidden, perpetuating feelings of isolation.
• Values people and their expertise so they feel empowered to determine and voice their own hierarchy of need, and next steps are clear between provider and participant.
• Is rooted in evidence-based practices that have shown decreases in health and social harms.
• Keeps individuals engaged in care if they re-engage risk at any stage.

Our Syringe Access Program provides services in a safe, non-judgmental setting that welcomes, affirms, and accepts everyone regardless of their current drug use practices. The program provides services within the context of harm reduction principles and guidelines, as outlined by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).

We provide harm reduction supplies (sterile supplies for injecting, smoking, snorting drugs, and overdose prevention materials), education, and resources to people who use drugs in Adams County. We also offer referrals to recovery and treatment programs.

Supplies We Provide

Naloxone

Project Connects provides Naloxone to the community, available at no cost.  Naloxone is an opioid antidote than can help reverse an overdose.  The program offers 1:1 or group trainings to anyone interested in learning more about to prevent and respond to an opioid overdose.

• Click here to schedule an Overdose Prevention and Naloxone training with our team.
• If you work for an organization that would like to have Naloxone on hand, please call 303.363.3077 or email [email protected] to schedule a no-cost training today!

Fentanyl Testing Strips

Project Connects provides fentanyl test strips (FTS), available at no cost to the community.  FTS can help prevent drug overdoses and reduce harm by informing individuals of the presence of fentanyl in their substances.

• FTS are small strips of paper that can detect the presence of fentanyl in all different kinds of drugs (cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, etc.) and drug forms (pills, powder, and injectables).
• FTS provide people who use drugs and communities with important information about fentanyl in their drug supply so they can take steps to reduce risk of overdose.

Contact the program to learn more about how to use FTS or where to obtain them.

Overdose Support

Project Connects now offers new overdose support to individuals that have recently responded to or have experienced a drug overdose.  We can assist in helping reduce your risk of another overdose occurrence and provide support in connecting to other health and social services/resources.  Get connected to our team for more resources and information.

Walk-in services are available at no cost. Free HIV, Syphilis, and Chlamydia/Gonorrhea testing is offered daily. The Sexual Health Program also offers birth control, additional STI testing, and treatment  at low to no cost, based on income. Call 303.363.3018 to schedule an appointment.

Visit our HIV, Hep C & STI website for more information

Treatment for SUD Resources/Referrals

General information on getting treatment and destigmatizing addiction – We recognize that accessing treatment can be challenging in many ways including knowing where to start, fear of stigma, provider goals not aligning with your individual goals, transportation, etc. We aim to reduce these barriers to care and help you to reach your self-directed goals.

Where to Start

• SAMHSA's National Helpline - Treatment Referral Routing Service
• Start Your Recovery - Find Drug & Alcohol Rehab Centers and Support

Rehabilitation Program Search Engines

• Sober Nation
• Colorado LADDERS
• SAMHSA Find Treatment
• Own Path Colorado

Substance Use and Mental Health Services We Have Established Relationships With

• Achieve Whole Recovery
• HEART Counseling
• Porch Light Health (previously Front Range Clinic)

Find a Recovery Meeting Resource

• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
• NA Colorado
• Smart Recovery

General Community Resources Outside of Substance Use

• 211 Colorado - Information on lots of community resources like food, housing, healthcare, etc. Search based on zip code
• Adams County Resources - Information on lots of community resources like food, housing, healthcare, etc. Search based on zip code
• CDPHE Viral Hepatitis/STI/HIV Referral Resource Guide
• Adams County Resources- English | Spanish
• Colorado Crisis Services
• Sexual Health
• Mental Health- ACHD Substance Use Prevention
• Sharps Drop Off Sites
• Naloxone Sites 
• Rx Drop Off Sites
• Together TakeMeHome (TTMH) - A project with the goal of distributing up to 1 million free HIV self-tests over the next five years. People in the United States, including Puerto Rico, can order up to two free HIV self-tests every 90 days via a new online portal. Tests are available to anyone 17 years or older, regardless of health insurance or immigration status.
• Northglenn CRU Resources