Nc Survivors Union Inc

The North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition (NCHRC), a statewide grassroots organization, is dedicated to the implementation of harm reduction interventions, public health strategies, drug policy transformation, and justice reform not only in North Carolina but also throughout the American South. Their mission is centered around promoting the well-being of individuals who use drugs, and they strive to reduce the negative consequences associated with drug use through various initiatives.

In 2022, the organization demonstrated significant growth. They provided essential safer drug consumption supplies and services to people who use drugs (PWUD) across the state, addressing the increasing morbidity and mortality risks associated with the illicit drug supply. Furthermore, their drug checking program expanded, allowing more participants to access this vital service.

In addition to direct services, NCHRC also focuses on broader systemic changes. They received funds to support the expansion of their services, including the development of a comprehensive health hub for PWUD. This hub aims to offer a range of services, including the provision of low-threshold buprenorphine through a partnership with Duke University. This program is part of an ongoing training curriculum for residents of the Duke School of Medicine.

Moreover, NCHRC is committed to data-driven decision-making. In 2022, they transitioned their routine data collection systems to a point-in-time survey, yielding more accurate information about program participants and decreasing data collection burden on staff. They also submitted a proposal to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to support their Narcofeminism storyshare project in partnership with the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG), with a funding decision pending.

Lastly, NCHRC expanded their health hub worker program to include more community members and additional low-threshold employment opportunities. They offered a multitude of trainings covering a variety of harm reduction and general public health topics. Throughout 2022, the organization continued to strengthen its relationships with state health organizations, working on multiple state-funded projects around service provision and race equity.