Volunteer - Syringe Exchange Program
Purpose
The Harm Reduction Program is currently accepting volunteers: click here to apply and we will get back to you soon!
Deschutes County Harm Reduction Program staff and volunteers to provide access to supplies for safer substance use, including unused syringes and other supplies for safer injecting and smoking of substances for people who use drugs (PWUD).
Goals
- To respect, value and prioritize the human rights and dignity of PWUD.
- To provide low-barrier access to sterile syringes, safer smoking and other necessary harm reduction supplies.
- To provide safe disposal of used syringes.
- To reduce the acquisition of blood-borne viruses such as HIV and Hepatitis C
- To provide education regarding harm reduction strategies, including: overdose prevention, safe injection practices and wound management.
- To build and create community with PWUD.
Volunteer Roles and Responsibilities
Harm Reduction Program volunteers will be responsible for providing direct exchange service to clients. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Distributing sterile syringes and other equipment for safer substance use
- Safely collecting and disposing of used syringes
- Providing education and referrals to clients, as needed
- Refilling and restocking supplies (Volunteers may occasionally be asked to lift heavy containers (+/- 20 lbs).
Volunteer requirements:
- All volunteers will be required to attend necessary training and Deschutes County onboarding events.
- All volunteers will be required to undergo (and pass) a drug test and criminal background check per Deschutes County policy.
- All volunteers will be required to sign a liability and confidentiality waiver.
- All volunteers must be at least 18 years old at time of application.
Volunteers will be provided training on the principles of harm reduction, universal precautions when working around potential blood borne pathogens and in programmatic requirements for engaging with program participants in a way to provide individual and community care.
If you have questions, please reach out to Leslie Corless (leslie.corless@deschutes.org) Harm Reduction Program Coordinator
