Harm Reduction
Project Connects is Adams County’s Harm Reduction and Sexual Health program. Explore our no-cost, confidential services available to all—no identification required!
Our Services
Our team offers walk-in services at our Westminster and Commerce City locations, and in the community through our mobile unit. Our services include
- HIV, Hepatitis C, and STI testing
- Naloxone distribution and education
- Syringe access and safer-use supplies, including smoking supplies
- Condoms and safer-sex materials
- Information and referrals to community-based resources and health services
- Post-overdose support and connection to care
What is Harm Reduction?
- Harm Reduction is evidence-based, has been researched for over 40 years, and has proven effective. It includes interventions that seek to reduce the harms associated with drug use and ineffective drug policies.
- Harm Reduction stands in stark contrast to a punitive approach to problematic drug use. It is based on acknowledging the dignity and humanity of people who use drugs, bringing them into a community of care to minimize negative consequences, and promoting optimal health and social inclusion.
- Learn more at HarmReduction.org.
How can we support you?
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 safer-use supplies.
We aim to support participants to maintain and improve their own health while preventing opioid overdose and disease transmission throughout 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’s experiences and helps them achieve their self-identified goals.
- Reduces barriers to connecting with and continuing access to care.
People who use drugs are often the first to respond to an overdose. If you or someone you know uses illicit substances, carrying and knowing how to administer Naloxone could save a life in the event of an overdose.
Our team provides Naloxone to the community at no cost. Naloxone is an opioid antidote capable of reversing overdoses. We offer one-on-one or group training to anyone interested in learning about preventing and responding to an opioid overdose.
- Schedule an overdose prevention and response training
- If you work for an organization that wants to have Naloxone on hand, please call 303.363.3077 or email ProjectConnects@adcogov.org.
We also offer post-overdose support to people who have responded to or have experienced a drug overdose. We can assist in helping reduce your risk of another overdose and provide support in connecting with health and social resources. Connect with our team for more information.
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. This program provides services within the context of Harm Reduction principles and guidelines outlined by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
In addition to education and resources, we provide
- Sterile syringes
- Smoking supplies
- Sharps containers
- Exemption card (protects participants from syringe-related violations)
- Condoms
- Cookers
- Cotton
- Alcohol wipes
- Antibacterial ointment
- Bandages
- Safer-smoking kits
- Injectable and intranasal Naloxone kits
- Water
- Referrals to recovery and treatment programs
No-cost HIV, Hepatitis C, Syphilis, Chlamydia, and Gonorrhea testing is available on weekdays. The Project Connects Sexual Health Clinic offers birth control and additional STI testing and treatment at low- to no-cost based on income. Call 303.363.3018 to schedule an appointment or visit our Sexual Health Program’s page for more information.
We provide fentanyl test strips (FTS) and xylazine test strips (XTS) to the community. These valuable tools can prevent drug overdoses and reduce harm by informing people of the presence of fentanyl and xylazine in their substances.
Test strips are small pieces of paper that can detect fentanyl and xylazine in all kinds of drugs, including cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, etc. They can also test different drug forms, including pills, powders, and injectables. Test strips provide communities with important information about their drug supply so they can take steps to reduce overdose risk.
Upcoming Outreach Events
Harm Reduction Services at Aurora Pride
No-Cost Overdose Prevention Resources & Awareness
Join One of Our Community Advisory Boards
Our team hosts a Quality Improvement Committee for HIV Services and a Community Advisory Board for Syringe Access and Safer-Use Programs. Contact us to learn more about the committees and help shape our services. Your voice matters — help us make a difference. Committee members will be compensated for their time!
Support Your Community
Our team offers life-saving services throughout all seasons. Consider donating important items to the people we work with who may be experiencing housing instability.
Substance Use Resources and Referrals
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 goals, transportation, etc. We aim to lower these barriers to care and help you reach your self-directed goals.