The goal of Harm Reduction is to minimize negative health outcomes associated with risky social behaviors, such as unprotected sex or illicit drug use. CSHD offers several services related to Harm Reduction, including:
- Free condoms at every health department location – Available for walk-ins.
- Free Naloxone at every health department location – Calling ahead is preferred.
- Naloxone is the only medicine that can reverse an opioid overdose. There are two types of naloxone – Injectable and a nasal spray. CSHD offers free nasal naloxone for anyone who uses or anyone who knows someone who uses drugs. We ask that you call ahead to request naloxone so that we can ensure someone who is certified to distribute naloxone is available to help you.
- Free Fentanyl Test Strips at select health department locations – Calling ahead is preferred.
- Fentanyl Test Strips (FTS) are an easy-to-use tool that can help determine if a drug contains fentanyl. This could enable someone using drugs to make better informed decisions, and take steps to reduce overdosing.
- FTS are currently available at the following locations:
- Staunton-Augusta Health Department
- Lexington-Rockbridge Health Department
Office Hours
Along with the Valley Community Services Board, CSHD holds monthly Harm Reduction Office Hours at the Fishersville and Staunton libraries. Stop by these office hours for free Naloxone and free training on how to use it. The times, dates, and locations of these office hours are:
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Augusta County Library – 1759 Jefferson Hwy, Fishersville, VA 22939. Every first Thursday of the month. 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
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Staunton Public Library – 1 Churchville Ave, Staunton, VA 24401. Every second Tuesday of the month. 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Request Naloxone, FTS, and training on how to administer them here.