BUPERENORPHINE NALOXONE Suboxone Suboxone is the more widely used of the two formulations of buprenorphine available to opiate pharmacotherapy consumers in Victoria. Subutex is the other. Buprenorphine is increasingly popular as an alternative to methadone. Suboxone contains a 4:1 ratio of buprenorphine/naloxone . Naloxone, an opiate antagonist, reverses the effects of opiates. Under the brand name Narcan, it is used intravenously to assist overdose victims, and is only present in Suboxone as a deterrent to injection (see below). When Suboxone is taken sub-lingually (beneath the tongue), the naloxone has no pharmacological effect. Only 1-4% of the naloxone is absorbed by the system, and after an hour this small amount has left the system. Film & Tablets: Suboxone is available in in 2mg and 8mg strengths, coming in two forms: a sub-lingual tablet and, more recently, a sub-lingual film (similar to a Listerine strip). Both are placed beneath the tongue, where they are absorbed directly into the blood-stream through the mucous membrane. (In the case of the film, the inside of the cheek may also be used.) The effects of the tablets and the film are effectively identical, though trials of film showed a slightly higher bioavailability (i.e. just a little more reaches the system.) NB: The tablet form of Suboxone will not be available in Victoria after 31 Aug 2013. Basic Pharmacology of Buprenorphine Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist. It binds strongly to the same receptors as other opiates, but stimulates them only weakly, producing very little of an opiate effect. Once the buprenorphine molecule is locked onto the receptor, it remains there much longer than other opiates like heroin and methadone. If such drugs are taken while on buprenorphine, their effects will be much reduced. Buprenorphine’s affinity for the receptor is powerful enough to displace opiates like heroin and methadone. For this reason, the initial dose of buprenorphine should be low (i.e. < 8mg) and, ideally, the client should be in the first stages of opioid withdrawal. If a dependent client takes a large dose of buprenorphine after recent use of heroin – or before the onset of withdrawal – the buprenorphine can precipitate immediate and full withdrawal. This is an extremely unpleasant, uncomfortable experience to be avoided at all cost. The Ceiling Effect An interesting feature of buprenorphine is its ceiling effect. Up to a certain point, the more buprenorphine that is taken, the greater the opiate effect. Past that point, increasing the dose only results in a longer duration of action and no increased opiate effect. This means that some people can have their daily dose increased (usually doubled) and the dose will last for two days instead of one. This can be very useful for those who have difficulty reaching their dosing points, and can remove the need for take aways during the first month of treatment. NB: Suboxone take aways are not available in these two day doses, i.e. if you are on 8mg, and receive 16mg to take away, it counts as two take-aways, not one. Though scientific evidence is scant, this ceiling effect presumably varies with the individual. The maximum allowable dose of buprenorphine is 32mg. If Suboxone is taken as recommended, the naloxone should have no effect. Any small amount that is absorbed will leave the body within one hour of dosing. Injecting Suboxone If Suboxone is injected, the naloxone and buprenorphine will compete to occupy the receptors, causing an uncomfortable delay before any effects are felt. The buprenorphine will eventually displace the naloxone, but up to twenty minutes may pass before this occurs. If another opiate, like heroin or oxycodone, is present in the system when injecting Suboxone, precipitated withdrawal will result, as the opiate will be rapidly displaced by both the buprenorphine and naloxone. Injecting Suboxone carries serious health risks and is not recommended. If the medication is removed from the mouth prior to injection, these risks are compounded. For more information about the harms associated with injecting Suboxone, please contact PAMS. Take Away Doses of Buprenorphine-Naloxone (Suboxone) The number of take away doses available for those taking Suboxone depends on their stability and how long they have been on the program. For the first two weeks of treatment, clients must attend each day for their dose. After this, if the client is considered stable, some take-away doses may be prescribed, see below for further details: After two weeks of continuous treatment and considered stable (on the correct dose and not missing doses) – eligible for up to 2 take away doses per week After two months of continuous treatment and considered stable (on the correct dose and not missing doses) – eligible for up to 5 take away doses per week After six months of continuous treatment and considered stable (on the correct dose and not missing doses) – eligible for up to 6 take away doses per week Minimal Supervision Regime The Minimal Supervision Regime or MSR is an additional category of of take away doses available to people who have been receiving Suboxone for a considerable period of time, and who have been assessed as very stable by their doctor. Under the MSR consumers may receive up to a 28 day supply of Suboxone at any one time. This type of supply can be dispensed like any other medication in a single, labelled container. To access the MSR a client must arrange to have their GP consult with an Addiction Medicine Specialist (AMS). If satisfied that the client is stable, the specialist will then sign off on a separate, dedicated permit. It may also be neccessary for the client to have a one-off consultation with the AMS.

Harm Reduction Victoria Privacy & Confidentiality Policy Statement Harm Reduction Victoria is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of service users, participants, team members and stakeholders in the way information is collected, stored and used. This policy provides guidance on Harm Reduction Victoria’s legal obligations and ethical expectations in relation to privacy and confidentiality. Harm Reduction Victoria will only collect personal information that is necessary to support its service users, provide service delivery and evaluate services provided by the organisation. Harm Reduction Victoria will only collect information through ‘lawful and fair means’ – that is, not through criminal or illegal activity, trickery or deception. Harm Reduction Victoria will endeavor to only collect information directly from the person it belongs to after obtaining consent from that person. If Harm Reduction Victoria is unable to collect information directly from the person it belongs to or obtain their consent but considers the information to be critical in providing health services to that person or other individuals, Harm Reduction Victoria will follow the IPP, APP and HPP guidelines around the collection, notification, storage, use and disclosure of the information. Harm Reduction Victoria strives to respect the confidentiality of any information pertaining to service users and any other individual who may engage with the organisation. However, in the spirit of partnership, Harm Reduction Victoria may share information with other organisations, involved individuals and services users when it is in the best interest of the service user or individual to do so. This best interest should be decided in partnership with the service user, and a standard health information sharing agreement should be used with the individual when we are operating on their behalf and sharing information with others. In the event of collecting or sharing information about individuals or organisations, Harm Reduction Victoria will take all reasonable steps to ensure it is abiding by relevant legislation, including but not limited to those listed in the legislation, clinical guidelines or other requirements. Reasonable steps to establish policies, procedures and work processes may include but are not limited to: Consult with Harm Reduction Victoria’s lawyers, specifically the Privacy and Data Security team For personal information, consult with the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner and/or Office of the Australian Information Commissioner For health information, consult with the Health Complaints Commissioner and/or the Department of Health Privacy Team Complete a Privacy Impact Assessment Enter into an agreement with the individual or organisation that HRVic will be collecting or sharing information. Harm Reduction Victoria is committed to ensuring that information is used in an ethical and responsible manner. Harm Reduction Victoria recognises the need to be consistent, cautious and thorough in the way that information about service users, participants, stakeholders and team members is recorded, stored and managed. All individuals including service users, participants, stakeholders, staff and volunteers have legislated rights to privacy of personal information. In circumstances where the right to privacy may be overridden by other considerations (for example, child protection concerns or public health and safety), staff will act in accordance with the relevant policy and/or legal framework. All team members are to have an appropriate level of understanding about how to meet the organisation’s legal and ethical obligations to ensure privacy and confidentiality. Harm Reduction Victoria strives to provide quality services in which information is collected, stored, used and disclosed in an appropriate manner complying with both legislative requirements and ethical obligations. Harm Reduction Victoria will work to ensure all staff understand their privacy and confidentiality responsibilities in relation to personal information and organisational information about Harm Reduction Victoria, its service users, participants, team members and stakeholders. This understanding should be demonstrated in all work practices. Please contact admin@hrvic.org.au or call (03) 9329 1500 for more information.

5toLife- Respond to Opioid Overdose with naloxone. PAGE UNDER CONSTRUCTION 5 T o Life Steps continued from HRVic opioid reversal kit instruction sheet REVERSE OPIOID OVERDOSE How To Videos: Ampoules- Injectable Nyxoid- Nasal Spray Prenoxad- Injectable 5 to Life: Naloxone Instructions AMPOULES-Naloxone Instructions FAQs Frequently Asked Questions ABOUT NALOXONE THE PRODUCT: What is naloxone? Naloxone is a TGA approved medicine thats ONLY use is to quickly (but temporarily) reverse an opioid overdose. What else is naloxone used for? Naloxone, also known as it's brand names Narcan, Nyxoid or Prenoxad, can be administered as a nasal spray or by injection. It quickly but temporarily reverses an OPIOID overdose only. Examples of opioids are heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, and morphine and nitazenes. It will not work on ove rdoses from cocaine, methamphetamine, or other non-opioid drugs. page under construction......

Harm Reduction Victoria is a community based, not-for-profit organisation. Our membership, staff and supporters include current and former people who use drugs. An Authentic Voice Of & For Victorians Who Use Drugs HARM REDUCTION VICTORIA PEER LED HARM REDUCTION: EDUCATION. ADVOCACY. OUTREACH. ADVICE. SUPPORT. INFORMATION. TRAINING. Some of HRVic's Projects & Programs All of HRVic's projects, programs, training, events and happenings are peer led- meaning that they are all led by people with living and lived experience of substance use and whatever that project involves ie. stigma or opioid dependance treatment or BBV testing/treatment or overdose. This is what makes all that HRVic does unique from other orgs/services that may provide a similar service. #nothingaboutuswithoutus PAMS- Pharmacotherapy Advocacy Mediation & Support A phone only service for people on pharmacotherapy (opioid dependancy treatment (ODT) who need assistance or mediation to navigate and/or remain on the program within Victoria. DanceWIze P2P Festival & Event care services On site roving & outreach Peer Led harm reduction training for event service providers & workers Health Promotion & Education Blood Borne Virus Overdose-Recognise & Respond Naloxone Administration Stigma & Discrimination VIEW ALL PROGRAMS Latest Substance News & VIC Alerts News Drug Alert-May 1 2025 Metonitazene may be being sold as ketamine/heroin News .07. 2024 VIC DRUG ALERT News 03.2024 VIC DRUG ALERT Drug Alerts DRUG ALERT- 01.2024 White powder mis-sold as Cocaine-contains synthetic opioid ‘metonitazene’ News COMMUNITY CAUTION 07.2023-Cocaine News DRUG ALERT Dec 31-2022 Drug Alerts AUS DRUG ALERT NOV 2022 Drug Alerts Ketamine Alert -NSW/Canberra/Vic News VIC DRUG ALERT JUNE 2022 News DRUG ALERT- FAKE XANAX Lived & Living Experience of drug u The Inquest into the death of Ronnie Nelson Began This Week.... Lived & Living Experience of drug u February 24 is Family Drug Support Day Events Resources HRVic's harm reduction and safer using resources available for you: *Substance Information *Naloxone *Overdose Response *BBV Prevention & Treatment Order Print On Demand or Download .pdfs Find Here Wominjeka. Harm Reduction Victoria acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people as the original and continued Custodians of these beautiful, unceded Lands and Waters that nourish and inspire us - where we live and work. We pay our respects to the Culture and to Elders - past and present. GET UP. STAND UP. SHOW UP. HRVic is an equal opportunity employer and service provider and is a proud supporter and ally of all communities- and recognise that people who use drugs come from all cultures, all ethnicities, all genders, all economic 'classes' and all mental and physical abilities. “Dance fused us, magical and cleansing. We were all in a swirl of color and light. It was like a rainbow,” said Baker. “A rainbow. That’s the moment when I knew exactly what kind of flag I would make.” Gilbert Baker worked tirelessly to ensure that the rainbow flag would become a universally recognised, global emblem of the LGBTQIA+ community and its proud legacy. The original 1978 flag initially had a total of eight stripes, each one symbolising an aspect of the LGBTQIA+ movement. The rainbow flag became synonymous with the diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community and our struggles. These included pink for sex, red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, turquoise for magic and art, indigo for serenity, and violet for spirit. This iconic symbol and its evolution have become an intrinsic part of LGBTQIA+ identity, culture, politics and society.

HRVic is a community based, not-for-profit organisation that represents people who use drugs. Community service awards include: COMING SOON Our new website is in progress. Please bare with us while we cross all our T's and dot all our i's.

CHANGING LANES Deciding to go onto pharmacotherapy- whether it's methadone, suboxone or the new long acting buprenorphine injection- is no small decision. Our PAMS program has put this series of 4 videos together- covering every aspect of pharmacotherapy- from the real voices of real pharmacotherapy consumers to you to assist you in making that decision. Changing Lanes Changing Lanes Play Video Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Search videos Search video... Now Playing 20211015 720p INHSU Comm Rapporteur 08:07 Play Video Now Playing E01 Deciding To Go On Treatment 04:59 Play Video Now Playing E02 Accessing Treatment 05:31 Play Video

Mobile Service Info Past Events The 18 month implementation trial started with mobile drug checking sites at selected festivals and events across Victoria. Previous festivals include Beyond The Valley, Hardmission (Au), Pitch Music & Arts Festival, Ultra Australia and The Warehouse Project. The service will operate at five more music festivals in the 2025-26 summer festival season. Beyond The Valley 2024/25 Read the Report ULTRA Australia 2025 Read the Report Hard Mission Australia 2025 Read the Report The Warehouse Project Australia 2025 Read the Report Pitch Music & Arts Festival 2025 Read the Report COMING NEXT SEASON

Services and Programs Needle & Syringe Program FIND OUT MORE DanceWize Peer run event care and on site outreach FIND OUT MORE Naloxone Opioid Overdose Recognise and Respond using Naloxone FIND OUT MORE P.A.M.S Pharmacotherapy Advocacy Mediation Support Phone Service FIND OUT MORE Safer Using Info Vein Care and Finding Blood Borne Virus Overdose- Opioid and ATS FIND OUT MORE WHACK MAGAZINE HRVic's quarterly publication. Fuse Initiatives Harm reduction peer workforce advocacy & support. Getting Older & Getting On Peer support for older people who use drugs. The Stigma Project FIND OUT MORE FIND OUT MORE

Vaccine Locations With all of the Covid confusion, regardless of where it's come from, you'd be forgiven for not knowing how to go about getting the Covid vax if you choose to. We know that there are people in our community who do choose to be vaccinated and may be having trouble doing so- whether it's trouble with finding a clinic close to them or having trouble booking to get it done because of not having ID or a medicare card, or frustrating wait times etc, HRVic have decided to make sure that anyone in our community who chooses to partake- will not miss out. We absolutely respect our community's autonomy ( the right to self govern) around their health and respect your choice whatever it may be. We do however, want to ensure that this isn't another reason for society to leave us out in the cold. Already, the stigma and discrimination around someone who takes substances exists in spades and we don't need something else to move us to or keep us in 'the back of the line' in life. There are already many venues and businesses that have decided that people can not enter or partake without being vaccinated. The Basics: Everyone in Australia aged 12 and over can receive a COVID-19 vaccination If they choose. The Covid vaccines are FREE . You are allowed to travel more than 15km from home to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. View more information about current restrictions . There are a a few different types of vaccination clinics: Commonwealth Vaccination Clinics State (and Territory) Vaccination Centres General Practices (GPs) Aboriginal Controlled Community Health Services Community Pharmacies Hospital Immunisation Hubs Outreach Services and 'Pop Up' clinics Aged care in-reach Reserved appointments are available for people accessing alcohol and drug services to get vaccinated at state vaccination centres. Appointments for ALL areas are only available by calling (freecall) 1800 675 398. We have compiled a list of clinics and services who are offering the vaccines. Click on the area name that you want to find a clinic in to see locations in that area. NEW Pop Up and Walk In Vaccine Clinics List A 'Pop Up' vaccine clinic is a non permanent location where you can get your jab between certain dates. You may still need to book. Please check with individual locations to avoid disappointment. A 'Walk In' vaccination clinic is a clinic where you don't need to book. The Victorian Government is bringing the vaccines to areas that need them most, by launching a massive community pop-up vaccination program targeting 100 priority postcodes across the state. HRVic will continue to post UPDATED lists in PDF form so you can print them out, for you as they arise so nobody has to miss out. POP UP VACCINE CENTRES WALK IN VACCINE CENTRES INNER CITY The Inner City covers North Melbourne, Carlton, Collingwood, Richmond, East Melbourne, West Melbourne and South Melbourne. BAYSIDE The Bayside areas covers Albert Park to Mordialloc to Clayton, Malvern to Toorak. INNER EAST & EAST The Inner East and East areas cover all suburbs from Kew to Chirnside Park, out to Eltham to Warburton and back to Ferntree Gully and back to Caulfield. WEST & SOUTH WEST The West & South West areas covers Williamstown to Wyndham Vale and Eynesbury to Caroline Springs back to Footscray. NORTHERN SUBURBS The Northern Suburbs area covers Maribyrnong & Essendon to Taylors Lakes & Tullamarine up to Craigieburn to Bundoora and back to Reservoir, Thornbury and Northcote. SOUTH EAST & MORNINGTON PENINSULA The huge South East area covers from Dandenong to Warneet to Druin to Narre Warren and back to Emerald. REGIONAL VICTORIA Regional Victoria covers everywhere else- from Geelong to Ballarat to Bendigo to Gippsland to the mountains. CAN'T FIND A CLINIC IN YOUR AREA? TRY THESE OTHER RESOURCES Victorian Government Covid Vaccination Centre website TAKE ME THERE Australian Government Covid Vaccine Clinic Finder website TAKE ME THERE

PAMS HISTORY The Long & Short of it...... The Short...... Since its beginnings in 2000, PAMS has evolved on a number of fronts. The service was originally established to help express consumer-related complaints and grievances, but has moved on to the negotiation and solving of these issues. This development was driven by service users, most of who are less interested in making a complaint than having their problem actually solved, usually within a short space of time. Other developments since the service first began include: the number of cases dealt with by PAMS has increased annually the name of the service has changed from MACS (Methadone Advocacy and Complaints Service) to PAMS the method of data collection and analysis has been computerised the service has become more widely known across the drug treatment sector the service has become increasingly professional. From small beginnings, PAMS has grown into a established service that plays a vital role within the Victorian opiate pharmacotherapy system. The Long..... The Pharmacotherapy, Advocacy, Mediation and Support’ (PAMS) Service was conceived by a small group of methadone consumers who used to meet regularly at the office of VIVAIDS (the Victorian Drug User Organisation) in the mid to late 1990s. A number of people in this group had experienced a range of problems with their methadone program they were not able to address effectively on their own. Further still, the group members felt there was no avenue through which they could get these issues addressed in a timely and effective manner. As a result, VIVAIDS undertook some qualitative, action based research to investigate the nature of these pharmacotherapy consumer concerns. This report ( ‘pale blue report’ by Kirsty and Nicola) is available upon request from pams@hrvic.org.au . In the year 2000, Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre was funded by the Commonwealth Government to run a number of trials of ‘new’ pharmacotherapies, including buprenorphine (mono formulation), slow release oral morphine and leva alpha acetyl methanol (LAAM). These trials were undertaken as part of the ‘National Evaluation of Pharmacotherapy for Opioid Dependence’ (NEPOD). Turning Point then agreed to fund VIVAIDS to pilot a telephone service for the pharmacotherapy consumer group to address the need for any of the following: Information and support Resolution of complaints and grievances Advocacy Mediation Referral Although the service was funded by Turning Point, it was available to any pharmacotherapy consumer in Victoria. The service focussed on the resolution of pharmacotherapy consumer related complaints and grievances and was called the ‘Methadone Advocacy and Complaints-resolution Service’ (MACS) and located at the VIVAIDS office in Carlton. MACS was promoted to the methadone consumer group at pharmacies, GP clinics, community health services, NSPs, welfare services, community legal centres and housing agencies. MACS initially operated from a mobile number, it was run by one staff member (who coordinated the service) and was available from 10AM to 6PM, Monday to Friday. A steering group was established to provide advice and strategic direction for MACS. Members of the steering group included: A GP (experienced pharmacotherapy prescriber), A pharmacist (experienced in the dispensing of methadone), A consumer representative (on a methadone program), The coordinator of MACS, A representative from Turning Point (clinical services), The manager of VIVAIDS Representatives from other relevant alcohol and drug services. In keeping with the other VIVAIDS programs and projects, MACS maintained a strong focus on peer support and representation. The methadone consumer group had access to a peer support worker (from MACS/VIVAIDS), GPs had access to another GP prescriber and pharmacists had access to a pharmacist (pharmacotherapy dispenser) through MACS. The GPs and pharmacists who provided support to their peers involved in a MACS case were available on an ‘on call’ basis. VIVAIDS chose to operate MACS in this way because peers have credibility amongst their peer group. It was also because MACS was new and unknown to GPs and pharmacists and the best way to promote it was again, through the respective professions (peer groups). In practice, this resulted in MACS operating in the following way: A methadone consumer contacted MACS because he felt that his GP (prescriber) did not understand his need for more than one methadone TAD per week. The consumer maintained that he had just been offered part-time work in a family company; nobody in his family knew he was on the program and he said he could not get to his pharmacy during working hours. The consumer said that if he disclosed to his family that he was on the program, any offer of work would be withdrawn. The MACS worker would discuss the issue with the consumer and try to work out a possible solution. The consumer said he would require a minimum of 3 TADs per week in order to work for his family. The MACS worker established that the current dosing point was the only pharmacy with a vacancy in the area. The MACS worker would ensure that permission was obtained from the consumer to contact their GP. The MACS worker would then contact the GP prescriber who provides peer support to other GPs involved in any MACS ‘case’ (MACS GP). This GP then contacts the consumer’s prescriber and discusses the issue. The MACS GP then calls the MACS worker and a course of action is agreed upon. For example, a compromise in this scenario might be that the consumer can have a total for 3 TADs per week, but not for 3 days in a row. The MACS worker then puts to possible solution to the consumer and the MACS GP suggests the same solution to the consumer’s GP prescriber. If all parties agree, no further negotiation is required, if not then both the MACS worker and the MACS GP may go through the same process again until an agreement has been negotiated on behalf of the consumer and his service provider. Theoretically, this was an equitable, unique and supportive way to operate the service. However, due to the need to depend on the availability of the MACS GP (also a current prescriber with his/her own case load) and the MACS Pharmacist (also running his/her own pharmacy) and to resolve the cases quickly, (often so a consumer could dose within 24 hours), it simply became impractical. As the number of cases dealt with by the service rapidly increased, there was simply not enough time to utilise the services of the MACS GP and Pharmacist. Over time MACS gradually became known to GPs, Pharmacists and the methadone consumer group. After running the pilot for 12 months, (funded by Turning Point), VIVAIDS had collected enough data to indicate that MACS was a useful and effective service. VIVAIDS took the data to the Victorian Department of Health, (Drugs Policy and Services) and they agreed to fund the service. The Victorian Department of Health (DoH) have continued to fund the service to this day. After buprenorphine was approved by the TGA and registered on the PBS, meaning it became available as a treatment for opioid dependence in Victoria, MACS changed its name to the ‘Pharmacotherapy Advocacy and Complaints-resolution Service’ (PACS). However, PACS had a problem in as the name included the word ‘complaint’. Unfortunately, this resulted in GPs and Pharmacists feeling that “somebody had complained” (about them). This left providers feeling ‘on the back foot’ and defensive before any conversation had taken place. PACS was also compromised by the fact that it had no powers of enforcement to effectively deal with consumer complaints and grievances. If a pharmacotherapy provider did not want to negotiate with the PACS worker, there was often very little the service could do resulting in consumers feeling frustrated, powerless and that they had wasted their time. Interestingly enough, the majority of consumers in direct contact with PACS did not want to make complaints as such, they had problems they wanted resolved effectively and efficiently. These issues culminated in the name and the focus of the service changing. PACS changed its name to the ‘Pharmacotherapy Advocacy, Mediation and Support’ (PAMS) Service. This new name accurately reflects the role of the PAMS Service. PAMS SYSTEMIC ADVOCACY & REPRESENTATION ADVOCACY The PAMS service primarily works on resolving individual pharmacotherapy consumer-related problems and concerns. Through its work, the service develops a unique perspective into and an understanding of the Victorian Pharmacotherapy Service System. This specific knowledge and insight is often requested by policymakers, researchers and professional groups. For example PAMS has been involved in the following: Research Sub-Optimal Dosing of Methadone in Victoria Role of Methadone Take Away Doses in NSW and Victoria Post-Surveillance Marketing of Buprenorphine-Naloxone (Suboxone) Pharmacotherapy Funding Models Study Reviews Review of the Pharmacotherapy Rural Outreach Workers (PROW) Review of the Victorian Pharmacotherapy Program (2010) Review of the Specialist Pharmacotherapy Service (2013) Committees Harm Minimisation Committee (Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, Victorian Branch) Victorian Department of Health – Pharmacotherapy Reform Advisory Committee Inner East Medicare Local Pharmacotherapy Committee Policy Development Pharmacotherapy Policy for Maintenance Pharmacotherapy for Opioid Dependence (2008) – Victorian Pharmacotherapy Guidelines Pharmacotherapy Policy for Maintenance Pharmacotherapy for Opioid Dependence (2013) – Victorian Pharmacotherapy Guidelines Buprenorphine-Naloxone Prescribing for Non-Registered GPs (2013)

First things First: What is it? Drug checking (also referred to as ‘pill testing’) is a FREE, confidential harm reduction service where anyone can get small amounts of their substances or 'drugs' tested by chemists in a lab to find out what’s in them. Getting reliable, factual information about what is or isn't in the substances we take allows us to make informed choices. Services Victoria has legalised drug checking and this much needed and wanted health service is here for good! An 18th month “implementation trial” of this particular model of drug checking service, is currently underway and Harm Reduction Victoria one of 3 important partners running it, along with The Loop Australia and YSAS. In this current model trial, there are two types of services: Mobile services: aka. ‘pop ups’, We are at festivals and events throughout the state this summer's festival season. We will attend up to 10 festivals and events throughout the trial period. Fixed-site service: Open from Aug 21, 2025 at it's new home at 95 Brunswick St. Fitzroy, the fixed site has been branded 'Victorian Pill Testing Service' and is run by Harm Reduction Victoria, The Loop Australia and YSAS as a partnership with the support of the Victorian government. Mobile services Read More Fixed site service Read More Why do we need it? From the first signs of Australian drug prohibition and the criminalisation of substances, this has resulted in a so called alternative or ''black market' and more players in a game which has no regulation or accountability. Due to greed and/or political gain or personal agendas, adulterated substances and analogues are showing up more and more regularly. Now more than ever, drugs are unpredictable. Strength, purity and poisoning are commonplace. Having a service that let's people find out what is in the substances they are ingesting so they can make informed choices makes sense health wise and financially. What drugs can be tested? Most substances in tablet, capsule, powder, crystal or liquid form. Organic matter like plants, edibles or very diluted substances can NOT be tested. Is it anonymous? What about privacy? Yes. You don't need to show ID, tell us your name, or answer questions you don’t want to. Victoria's Confidential Drug Checking Service trial is run by: With the ongoing support of: Funded by: Partnership Joint Statement Want to work with us at either of the drug checking sites? VPTS POSITIONS VACANT

Inner City The Inner City covers North Melbourne, Carlton, Collingwood, Richmond, East Melbourne, West Melbourne and South Melbourne. This list consists of the clinic names and their locations. If you click on their address you will open the google maps page for that location. To book at any of these locations, you will still need to call 1800 675 398 or through the online booking system (you need an email address to sign up) CoHealth Melbourne Town Hall 90-130 Swanston St, Melbourne Open Monday to Friday, 10:15am to 4:30pm. Walk-ins are available for: people experiencing homelessness people with English literacy limitations refugees international students If you don’t have a Medicare card or ID, you can still get the vaccine. North Richmond Community Health (NRCH) Community Room North Richmond Community Health 23 Lennox St, North Richmond 3121 Please click here to book an appointment online or call 9418 9800. C ohealth Centre West Melbourne 98 Abbotsford Street, West Melbourne Medical Hub @ RMIT RMIT University, Building 8, Level 3 368-374 Swanston St, Melbourne You must have a current Medicare Card to receive a COVID-19 vaccination here. C ohealth centre Collingwood 365 Hoddle Street, Collingwood Livingroom: COVID19 Vaccine MIHS VAN Phone: 9662 4488 for appointment Max 20 registrations in a day (Some capacity for drop-in on the day if some registrations do not arrive) FIND A PHARMACY INNER CITY