Harm Reduction Offerings
OFFICE HOURS: Monday – Thursday: 8:00am to 5:00pm • Friday: 8:00am to 3:00pm
AFTER-HOURS CRISIS SUPPORT & VICTIM ASSISTANCE: 303-615-9911
Harm Reduction Offerings
According to Harm Reduction International harm reduction “refers to policies programs and practices that aim to minimize the negative health, social and legal impacts associated with drug use, drug policies and drug laws. Harm reduction is grounded in justice and human rights. It focuses on positive change and on working with people without judgement, coercion, discrimination or requiring that people stop using drugs as a precondition of support.” This concept can and has been applied to various aspects of our lives which include but are not limited to sexual health, wearing a mask during COVID-19, wearing a seatbelt while driving, etc. Below are several harm reduction offerings that can be found at the Health Center at Auraria.
Sexual Health
The Health Center at Auraria offers sexual health supplies to students faculty and staff at no charge. These items may include condoms (internal and external), dental dams and lubricant. They can be obtained at the Health Center or at various outreach events throughout the semester.
Medical Services are also available and may consist of STI testing, lab monitoring, preventative health care, birth control, emergency contraceptives and/or free HIV Testing.
Opioid Overdose Prevention
With the support of SAFEProject and in collaboration with Auraria Recovery Community and Auraria PD the Health Center at Auraria has created several opportunities for the campus community to learn about and obtain material pertaining to the national opioid crisis.
Opioid Overdose Response Training
This training opportunity provides invaluable information on the opioid epidemic and its impact on our communities. Attendees will learn how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and administer the opioid overdose reversal drug Naloxone. You will also leave with resources on access to free harm reduction tools (like Naloxone and Fentanyl Testing strips) both on-campus and in the community.
Naloxone (NARCAN®)
Naloxone (NARCAN®) is a fast-acting opioid overdose reversal drug that has recently been FDA approved for over the counter use and, in Colorado, does not require a prescription to obtain. The NARCAN nasal spray is made available at no charge to the campus community by request at the Health Center at Auraria. Whether you are using opioids, know someone that is using, or frequent public spaces at which drug use is occurring you could possibly save a life by having this medication on hand.
How to Administer Naloxone
Fentanyl Testing Strips
Fentanyl is an opioid that can be anywhere from 50-100x stronger than heroin. It can be found in a number of substances including heroin, meth, cocaine and pressed pills. Whether someone uses regularly or is experimenting, fentanyl testing strips can help to identify the presence of fentanyl in the substance being used.
Medication Disposal
In the lobby of the Health Center at Auraria a medication disposal box can be found. Campus constituents have access to this resource during regular business hours (M-Th 8:00am-5:00p and Friday 8:00am-3:00pm). If you have old or unused medication, consider disposing of them safely with this resource. Along with the Health Center there are various locations through the Metro Denver area where one could dispose of medications safely.
Crisis Intervention Services
The Health Center at Auraria partners with Rocky Mountain Crisis Partners to offer a 24/7 Mental Health Crisis & Victim Assistance Line. Auraria students, faculty and/or staff have access to this service, whether an individual is being proactive or they/someone they know are in acute crisis. Individuals can call 303-615-9911 and speak to a peer specialist or licensed clinician depending on the need/acuity.
Additional Information
If you would like additional information on the services and/or programs offered at the Health Center at Auraria, please contact us at 303-615-9999. You could also submit an online inquiry which will get routed to the appropriate Health Center representative.
