The Austin Harm Reduction Coalition (AHRC) is a non-profit volunteer based organization that works to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C among injection drug users. We provide HIV & Hep C testing, drug treatment referrals, medical care, and resources to prevent disease transmission such as condoms, alcohol pads, and supplies for safe injection. We do our work from a mobile van, reaching directly into the communities most affected by HIV and Hep C in Austin, Texas.
Our services are vital, but the obstacles are many.
Needle exchange is the only method of prevention proven to be effective among active drug injectors. Yet, syringe possession and distribution is illegal in Texas. In fact, Texas remains the ONLY state with no legalized form of needle exchange. Here's an excellent article on the efficacy and importance of needle exchange and harm reduction in controlling the spread of HIV: http://tinyurl.com/NYTimes-Harm-Reduction.
The AHRC advocates the legalization of needle exchange, the sole effective means of stemming the tide of HIV and Hep C among active drug users. The work of the AHRC over the past 15 years has made a difference: in 2008, reported cases of HIV/AIDS decreased in Austin, the only city amongst the top four major metropolitan areas in Texas that reported a decrease.
Our services are vital, but our cost is small.
We do our work on a very small budget. All our monies go directly to services and supplies. We do not even pay to maintain an office.
We ask you to join us.
We are looking for people who wish to support our services either through financial support or by contributing time as a volunteer. We are also looking for people who would like to buy one of our ultra cool t-shirts or tank tops (please see our online store).
Our services are vital, but the obstacles are many.
Needle exchange is the only method of prevention proven to be effective among active drug injectors. Yet, syringe possession and distribution is illegal in Texas. In fact, Texas remains the ONLY state with no legalized form of needle exchange. Here's an excellent article on the efficacy and importance of needle exchange and harm reduction in controlling the spread of HIV: http://tinyurl.com/NYTimes-Harm-Reduction.
The AHRC advocates the legalization of needle exchange, the sole effective means of stemming the tide of HIV and Hep C among active drug users. The work of the AHRC over the past 15 years has made a difference: in 2008, reported cases of HIV/AIDS decreased in Austin, the only city amongst the top four major metropolitan areas in Texas that reported a decrease.
Our services are vital, but our cost is small.
We do our work on a very small budget. All our monies go directly to services and supplies. We do not even pay to maintain an office.
We ask you to join us.
We are looking for people who wish to support our services either through financial support or by contributing time as a volunteer. We are also looking for people who would like to buy one of our ultra cool t-shirts or tank tops (please see our online store).
