Harm Reduction Program
Lincoln County's Harm Reduction program offers syringe exchange services, and free resources, such as overdose reversal kits, condoms and first aid supplies. This helps reduce the risk of HIV, Hepatitis C, sexually transmitted infections, and other bacterial infections. We also offer rapid HIV, Hepatitis C, and syphilis testing.
Services Offered
- Rapid HIV Testing
- Rapid Hepatitis C Testing
- Rapid Syphilis Testing
- Syringe Exchange Services
- Distribution of Condoms and First Aid Supplies
- Naloxone Distribution
Why get tested?
Our rapid HIV, Hepatitis C, and Syphilis tests can be administered outside of the clinic and only take fifteen minutes to complete. All we need from you is a little bit of paperwork and a finger stick.
HIV, Hepatitis, and Syphilis testing is very important, because if you know your status then you can start receiving treatment and prevent passing these diseases on to anyone else. Everyone is recommended to get tested for HIV at least once in their life. If you are a man who has sex with men, are having unprotected sex with people of unknown HIV status, or sharing needles for injection drugs, you may benefit from getting HIV, Hepatitis, and Syphilis testing frequently, potentially every 3 to 6 months.
Syringe Exchange Services
Syringe exchange programs have been shown to reduce drug use, needlestick injuries, and reduce overdoses and communicable disease. Our syringe exchange program operates by allowing people to bring us their used syringes in a container, and providing clean syringes and other needed items in exchange. We have sharps containers, clean syringes, first aid supplies, condoms, naloxone, and educational materials.
Naloxone (also known as Narcan) is a medication that reverse overdoses from opioids.
Oregon has a Good Samaritan Overdose Law, which means that if you are seeking medical help for someone who is overdosing neither of you can get into trouble for:
- Possessing drugs or drug paraphernalia
- Being in a place where drugs are being used
- Violating probation or parole because of Number 1 or Number 2
- Outstanding warrants related to Number 1 or Number 2
How to Access Services
Call 541-265-0404 for testing and exchange hours or email the Harm Reduction Department.
- Mondays 2 pm to 4 pm - Newport Library parking lot, 35 NW Nye Street, Newport
- Thursdays 2 pm to 4 pm - DMV parking lot, 4422 NE Devils Lake Boulevard, Lincoln City
- Fridays 1 pm to 3 pm - Community Health Center parking lot, 525 Bay Street, Waldport
*Temporarily suspended, check back for updates: St. Stephen Episcopal Church, 414 SW 9th Street, Newport
Monthly Van Location Schedule:
- Last Monday 11 am - 1 pm - Yachats Community Presbyterian Church, 360 W 7th Street, Yachats
Need condoms? We have them free, no questions asked, in the lobby of the Public Health Clinic at 36 SW Nye Street in Newport. We also have female condoms available upon request.
Find us on Facebook - Harm Reduction - Lincoln County OR | Facebook
What are PrEP and PEP?
PrEP is pre-exposure prophylaxis, a medication that people at a high risk for contracting HIV can take every day to avoid becoming HIV positive. PrEP has been shown to reduce the risk of getting HIV through sexual contact by 99% if taken every day. Among people who use drugs, PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV by about 74% when taken every day. PrEP is only for people who are HIV negative and who may be at an increased risk for HIV.
PEP is post-exposure prophylaxis, a medication that can be taken after a potential exposure to HIV to prevent becoming infected. PEP must be started within 72 hours of a potential exposure, but the sooner you start the medication, the better. PEP is only for emergency situations. If you frequently find yourself in situations where you could be exposed to HIV, talk to your doctor about if PrEP is right for you.
For More Information and to find out how to get PrEP or PEP
- Visit OR AETC PrEP
- Or reach out to HIV Alliance for PrEP navigation services and navigators to help you get a provider or work with your provider to get you a prescription. You can contact HIV Alliance through the contact form on their PrEP navigation page or by calling 541-342-5088.