METHADONE Methadone Methadone is the most successful, well-researched and cost-effective treatment for opiate dependence. Although it is available in both liquid and tablet forms, the Victorian pharmacotherapy program uses the liquid form alone (except in instances of limited overseas travel). There are two brands of methadone liquid: Methadone Syrup and Biodone Forte. Their contents and strength are the same. Basic Pharmacology of Methadone Methadone is a full opiate agonist. The higher the dose, the greater the opiate effect. If too much methadone is consumed, breathing and heart rate will gradually slow, leading eventually to unconsciousness and death. Other full opiate agonist drugs include heroin, morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl, pethidine etc. When a client begins taking methadone, the doctor will prescribe a safe, low dose which can be adjusted as required until no feelings of opiate withdrawal are experienced for the full twenty-four hours between doses. If doses are missed or other opiates are used, it will take longer to stabilise on a daily dose. Methadone Take-Away Doses For the first two months of treatment, clients must attend each day for their dose. After this, if the client is considered stable, some takeaway doses may be prescribed, see below for further details: after two months 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 six months of continuous treatment and considered stable (on the correct dose and not missing doses) – eligible for up to 4 take away doses per week

Inner East and 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. 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) unless it states otherwise. EACH (Eastern Access Community Health) 47 Patterson Street, Ringwood East EACH (Eastern Access Community Health) & Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place to host pop-up COVID Vaccination Clinics for members of Indigenous communities in the outer east of Melbourne. Note: only the Pfizer vaccine is available Clinic dates: Thursday 14th October (1st dose) and Thursday 11th November 2021 (2nd dose) 10AM to 4PM at 47 Patterson Street, Ringwood East By appointment only Register at https://forms.gle/AVGnzvj9UFotzeaQ9 Free taxi services are available, please call the Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398 COMING SOON Stay tuned for more locations. COMING SOON Stay tuned for more locations. COMING SOON Stay tuned for more locations. COMING SOON Stay tuned for more locations. COMING SOON Stay tuned for more locations. FIND A PHARMACY INNER EAST & EAST

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......

INTERNATIONAL DRUG USERS DAY 1:11:20 On this day we remember not only all those we have lost to the drug and all the years we have lost in prisons around the world but all the amazing positive difference we make – from overdose response to drug checking to peer support and education to hep C treatment navigation. The COVID-19 pandemic has hit our communities globally very hard. While Harm Reduction Victoria has been affected, the team have continued much of our work, despite being less able to engage in face to face & peer to peer work. We rallied quickly to reach out to community when the Flemington / North Melbourne Housing hard lockdown came down. We worked with close partners to do on the ground outreach in truly awful circumstances. We have worked with service providers and allies to provide naloxone and needle and syringe outreach to the hotels in central Melbourne. We have delivered naloxone training online and PAMS has assisted hundreds of people to start or remain on opioid substitution treatment over their phoneline. Our ace designer and Health Promotion Team have pushed out awesome info about COVID-19 and DanceWize has not missed a beat in supporting their community. Today we are so proud to release a new video in partnership with SSDP and Pill Testing Australia. "Pill Testing Explained" -2020

GP & Prescriber LINKS and Forms POLICIES & APPLICATIONS The Department of Health and Human Services has provided a number of additional resources to complement the revised policy. Pharmacotherapy providers are encouraged to use these resources when prescribing or dispensing to people on opioid replacement therapy. All are available from the Downloads section on the Health.Vic website . Some resources are also available in a number of community languages* Pharmacotherapy Policy 2016 Policy for Issuing Schedule 8 Permits Application for Approval as a Prescriber of Pharmacotherapy Notification Of A Drug Dependent Person NATIONAL CLINICAL GUIDELINES (To be used in conjunction with Victorian Policy) NCG for Methadone NCG for Buprenorphine NCG for Use for Naltrexone

Getting On, Getting Older (GoGo) is a new project in development: Targeting the health and social needs of us oldies who inject/use drugs – now and into the future. GOGO Project The Getting On - Getting Older Our Story Harm Reduction Victoria is pleased to introduce you to 'GoGo'. Getting On, Getting Older (GoGo) is a new project in development: Targeting the health and social needs of us oldies who inject/use drugs – now and into the future. GoGo is where the elders of our community can gather to discuss our needs as older people who use drugs and more importantly, to communicate those needs in ways that effect change that has to happen to be sure we are all looked after appropriately as we get older. Are you 50 years young or over and use substances? Fill out this anonymous survey now or Do you work with people Over 50 who use drugs? Fill out this survey now What are you experiencing as an older person who uses drugs? What are your concerns for your future? How can services work with older drug users to maintain a certain standard or to improve their quality of care? If you consider yourself an ‘older’ drug user, we want your input. We want to know what YOU want. We want to know what YOU need or know what you think you WILL need as an older person who uses drugs- who is getting older. Service User Survey (client) Service Provider Survey (worker) "Services for 'ageing drug users' simply do not exist. Why? -because until recently, we didn't get older. It's about figuring out what we need and want and then creating those services for ourselves and ensuring they're available in the future- for all people who enjoy substances" - Sam "I want to be taken seriously when I say I feel pain..and I want to be treated for that pain. I had to take and give my dying friend illicit drugs because their pain was not being managed appropriately while in palliative care-it was devastating." - Anonymous "I want to go to the doctor to and have my health issues and pain taken seriously- not just assume it's the result of my using." - Anonymous Let's Talk About it: Interested in being contacted to be part of the GoGo consultation? Click here to go directly to survey or contact us by filling out this form: > First Name Last Name Email Message Thanks for submitting! Send

NEW APRIL 7, 2020 COVID19 RESPONSE: Pharmacotherapy Services- Information for prescribers and dispensers. The links below are for advice and clinical guidance related to working in the Medically Assisted Treatment for Opioid Dependence (MATOD) sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. Advice moderates existing MATOD policy for prescribers and dispensers in relation to: Takeaway doses Third party collection Suboxone prescribing caps. This information is intended to provide guidance and support for increased flexibility in clinical treatment during this time. This advice was developed by alcohol and other drug experts and the Department of Health and Human Services, and will be supported by ongoing work by the department to identify optimal pathways for vulnerable clients, including pharmacotherapy patients. Please see the Victorian COVID-19 website for current case definition, guidance and testing recommendations. If you have any questions in relation to this information, please make contact with your local Pharmacotherapy Area Based Network in the first instance. Alternatively you may submit questions to aod.enquiries@dhhs.vic.gov.au. COVID19 UPDATES Third Party Dose Pick up Includes patient agreement form COVID19 Take Away Guidelines Includes take away review assessment Click on links for PDF Some Helpful Tips for People on Pharmacotherapy - Methadone and Buprenorphine (Suboxone and Subutex) : Prescriber Pharmacist 1. DON'T PANIC. 2. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A VALID & UP-TO-DATE PRESRIPTION(S) for ALL YOUR MEDICATIONS. If you have a scheduled appointment with your doctor, please do not miss it* Check if this appointment is face to face or via Telehealth. If you are unwell or in self-isolation, call your medical clinic and follow their advice . *Prescribers are in overly high demand and it will be hard to book another appointment. 3. ASK YOUR PRESCRIBER (ie. doctor) FOR A LONGER PRESCRIPTION. (pharmacotherapy scripts can be written for up to 6 months at a time) How will it help? This will mean you don't have to go to the clinic for a longer period of time = Less mixing with others and reduced risk to all BUT there may well be follow-ups during this period via Telehealth 4. ASK YOUR PRESCRIBER FOR AS MANY TAKE-AWAY DOSES AS POSSIBLE. Ask your prescriber to give you as many take-away doses, (TADs) as they feel comfortable with. See new interim COVID-19 take away policy How will it help? More take aways will mean less visits to the pharmacy, less mixing with other people, a reduced need to leave your house etc. If your prescriber is happy to give you more than 4 TADs p/w (methadone) or more than 6 TADs p/w (Suboxone) please make sure your prescriber speaks with your dosing pharmacy so you don't have problems picking them up. 5. DO NOT MISS DOSES! If you miss 4 doses in a row of either methadone or buprenorphine (Suboxone/Subutex), your pharmacy cannot dose you. If your prescriber is not available, it might be very hard to find another one, especially in time to prevent opioid withdrawal symptoms. 6. ASK YOUR PHARMACIST WHAT THEIR PLAN IS FOR DOSING PEOPLE IF THEY MUST CLOSE FOR ANY PERIOD OF TIME DURING THIS COVID19 PANDEMIC. Pharmacies have all been asked to put a plan in place in case they need to close and to ensure continuity of dosing for pharmacotherapy patients 6. GIVE YOUR PHARMACY YOUR UP-TO-DATE CONTACT DETAILS AND MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THEIRS. ie. PHONE NUMBER, ADDRESS ETC and also that your pharmacist has a colour photograph of you on file. How does this help? I t’s a good idea to store the pharmacy phone number in your phone contact list so you will know if they try to contact you. If the computer goes down due to network overuse, theyll have a photo of you to dose you manually. 7. ASK THE PHARMACY IF THE DOSING HOURS HAVE CHANGED. (e.g. many pharmacies are closing earlier due to the additional amount of work they are doing to keep things clean. 8. IF (for any reason) YOU ARE IN 'SELF ISOLATION' AND YOU NEED TO GO TO THE PHARMACY TO PICK UP YOUR DOSE, MAKE SURE YOU: call the pharmacist to let them know you are in self isolation but need to pick up your dose understand that you may need to organise a specific time to dose or pick up take aways wear a face mask to protect others, (just in case you are contagious- you may have the virus and feel fine but it may KILL someone else who is more vulnerable) Call the COVID19 Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 389 for additional information INFO ON METHADONE take-away dose (TAD) BOTTLES Ideally a new bottle should be given to each person for each dose, but bottles can be costly-to the environment and financially!- If you ARE permitted to RE-USE YOUR OWN TAD bottle/s - KEEP THEM CLEAN. TAD bottles should be washed out with warm soapy water, thoroughly rinsed and left to air-dry. TAD bottles should only be brought back to the pharmacy on the day you need your TAD. Do not use your TAD bottles for anything other than methadone. Before you take your dose, pour the methadone into a glass and drink it straight away. This will help to keep the bottle clean from saliva and germs. Storage of TADs (methadone and buprenorphine) Methadone TADs should be kept in a safe or a locked cabinet, (e.g. bedside table, filing cabinet, desk drawer etc), well out of the way of children or others. Methadone does not need to be kept refrigerated unless it is diluted with cordial, (pharmacists are advised to use water only to dilute TAD doses but some still use cordial- ask for no cordial-they will last longer in more conditions. Next Steps The PAMS Service, the Victorian methadone/buprenorphine prescribers and pharmacists and the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services, (DHHS) are all working hard to ensure everyone on the program will continue to get their doses through this pandemic. As soon as we know more, we will let you know via this website. Other Online Resources and Information: Additional information can be found at the Victorian DHHS and the Department of Health and Ageing websites. There is an over supply of information out there- both correct and incorrect. DO YOUR RESEARCH and again- DON'T PANIC. Follow these links: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/cdna-song-novel-coronavirus.htm MORE PAMS INFO HERE

Contact Harm Reduction Victoria for more info on becoming a member, booking or sponsoring supplies to DanceWize or to book a workshop or training session contact us on info@hrvic.org.au Become a member of Harm Reduction Victoria today! HRVic is a uniquely peer driven, peer run and peer governed community organisation for people who use drugs. Harm Reduction Victoria Inc . ABN: 46 114 268 362 Street Address 299-305 Victoria Street Brunswick VIC 3056 Postal Address PO Box 87 Brunswick VIC 3056 Phone: (03) 9329 1500 Email: info@hrvic.org.au

Drugs List DXM Read More 2C-B Read More Nangs Read More GHB Read More ' Poppers ' Read More Nitazenes Read More Cocaine Read More LSD Read More MDMA Read More Heroin Read More

DXM Dextromethorphan APPEARANCE Sold in syrup, tablet, spray, & lozenge forms. In its pure form, dextromethorphan occurs as a white powder ADMINISTRATION Ingested orally, Inhaled nasally DURATION Total: 4-6 hours DESCRIPTION Dextromethorphan hydrobromide (‘DXM’ or ‘DM’) which, when taken at doses exceeding the recommended therapeutic range, becomes a powerful dissociative drug with psychedelic properties. Part of the morphinan class of substances, DXM has sedative, dissociative, and stimulant properties (at higher doses). Dissociatives are mostly NMDA receptor antagonists, these substances are hallucinogenic but different than psychedelics. As per the name, these substances create a distance between the user and reality. It is also the cough suppressant in many overthe-counter (‘OTC’) cold and cough medicines especially in those with ‘DM’ or ‘Tuss’ in their names. Dextromethorphan has numerous other uses in medicine, ranging from pain relief (as either the primary analgesic, or an opioid potentiator) and psychological applications to the treatment of dependence. DXM is not to be confused with Dextrorphan or Dexamethasone. Sold in syrup, tablet, spray, & lozenge forms. In its pure form, dextromethorphan occurs as a white powder. Examples include Robitussin, NyQuil, Dimetapp, & Vicks. It is IMPORTANT to make sure DXM is the only active ingredient in the preparation. EFFECTS THE FIRST PLATEAU(1.5-2.5mg/kg): mild stimulant effect with a little bit of a buzz, / has been compared to MDA THE SECOND PLATEAU(2.5-7.5mg/kg): more intoxicating, been compared to being drunk & stoned at the same time THE THIRD PLATEAU(7.5-15mg/kg): is dissociative, like a lower dose of ketamine. THE FOURTH PLATEAU(15-20mg/kg): fully dissociative like a higher dose of ketamine. You should AVOID higher plateau doses unless you have someone with you who can take care of you in case you get sick or freak out. It happens on DXM. Many things can happen unexpectedly on upper plateaus, such as spontaneous memory recall, complex delusions, hallucinations, out-of-body experiences, near-death experiences, and perceived contact with spiritual or alien entities. You need a strong foundation of support and experience to navigate this space. *WARNING: Death has occurred in the 25mg/kg range. PHYSICAL • Urinary Retention • Increased Heart Rate • Increased Blood Pressure • Sweating • Itchiness • Lethargy • Slurred Speech • Red/Blotchy Skin Rashes • Hyperactivity • Nystagmus (Rapid Eye Movement) • Difficulty Communicating • Nausea/Dizziness • Allergic-Like Responses EMOTIONAL • Euphoria • Happiness / Mood Lift PSYCHOLOGICAL • Visual / Auditory hallucinations • Dissociation • Reduced or increased anxiety • Introspection • Music enhancement • Confusion • Depression/fatigue • Talkative • Short term memory loss or confusion • Disorientation • Paranoia • Altered time perception It is Not recomendded that you use DXM if you have: Respiratory (breathing) issues, Liver issues, Heart issues. LONG TERM EFFECTS The toxicity and long-term health effects of recreational DXM use in humans has not been studied in any scientific context and the exact toxic dosage is unknown.illness, but it is important to be aware of this possibility. Many chronic users report significant issues with memory, attention, and mood that persist for many months after stopping usage. SAFER USING: Harm Reduction Tips • AVOID using any preparation of DXM that has ANY other active ingredients, as they can make you sick and/or dead. • General rule of thumb for DXM : 1 plateau/week. In other words, If you take a Third Plateau Dose, wait 3 weeks before using again. If you use a Second Plateau dose, wait 2 weeks before using again. • Try to use in comfortable environments with people you trust to look out for you • Watch out what you are mixing DXM with, as mixing with certain drugs can cause serotonin syndrome, or Ataxia, • Some people can’t use DXM due to a genetic mutation in an important enzyme. Do your research.

HRVic's Mission Statement, Guiding Principles, Strategic Plan. Who is Harm Reduction Victoria? Who does it represent? What is Harm Reduction and WHY do we need WHO IS HARM REDUCTION VICTORIA? Harm Reduction Victoria (HRVic) is a not-for-profit, community organisation for people who use drugs. HRVic does not condemn nor condone the use of drugs. HRVic merely recognises that drug use happens and as such, aims to reduce any possible harms associated with that drug use. HRVic's health promotion focus is guided by the belief that any drug-related harm should be treated as a health issue and not a criminal issue. Our aim is to advance the health and well-being of people who use drugs by creating an environment in which individuals are empowered to realise their aspirations, meet their needs and participate fully in society. Our membership, staff and supporters include current and former people who use drugs, their allies and their support networks and people who support the values and objectives of Harm Reduction Victoria. We prioritise the issues and concerns of people who use drugs in all that we do within a community development framework. The philosophy of harm reduction and advancing the health and human rights of people who use drugs guides all of HRVic’s work. HRVic’s interventions are individually and collectively targeted, in order to promote a culture of safer drug use. OUR HISTORY In 1987, in the face of a growing HIV epidemic, a group of drug users, supported by their friends, families and allies established VIVAIDS- now called Harm Reduction Victoria- as an independent, living and lived experience-driven, community based organisation. Now funded primarily by the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services, HRVic provides peer driven and designed education and resources, practical support, information and advocacy to current and past users of illicit substances, their supporters and the services who work with them. HRVic has often led the way in developing innovative approaches to peer education and community development, and has contributed to Australia having one of the lowest HIV rates among injecting drug users in the world. OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES Community Ownership and Accountability: Harm Reduction Victoria is of and for our community. Through active engagement with our membership and constituent communities, Harm Reduction Victoria aims to identify and serve the needs of drug users in Victoria. We encourage a broad-based sense of ownership and involvement in all aspects of HRV’s operations. Inclusivity: Harm Reduction Victoria respects and represents all people who use drugs in Victoria, regardless of gender, sexuality, age, disability or ethnic group. We prioritise those at greatest risk of drug related harm and in particular people who inject drugs, due to the risk of blood borne virus transmission. “Nothing about us without us”: Harm Reduction Victoria asserts the right of people who use drugs to have a voice in decisions which directly affect our lives and to be involved in the response to drug use and associated harms in Victoria including drug related policies and programs. http://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/reports/nothing-about-us-without-us Human Rights: Harm Reduction Victoria rejects all forms of arbitrary discrimination against people who use drugs. We believe that the stigma associated with drug use undermines human dignity and self-efficacy, and creates barriers to participation in the social, cultural and economic life of the community. We work towards the elimination of these destructive attitudes. Health Promotion: Harm Reduction Victoria is a health promotion organisation. We are guided by a belief that drug related harm should be treated as a health issue and not a criminal issue. Our aim is to advance the health and wellbeing of people who use drugs by creating an environment in which individuals are empowered to realise their aspirations, meet their needs and participate fully in society. Partnerships and Collaboration: In order to respond more effectively to the needs of people who use drugs, Harm Reduction Victoria is committed to pursuing partnerships and strategic alliances with other community sector organisations built on shared goals and trust. Excellence: Harm Reduction Victoria strives to be a model employer, to be accountable to our members and constituent communities for all of our actions, and to achieve optimal outcomes at all times. For more comprehensive information, view the Harm Reduction Victoria Strategic Plan here. OUR VISION A world where all people are treated the same & have the same opportunities regardless of their drug of choice. OUR MISSION To work to advance the health, dignity and social justice of Victorians who use drugs. OUR ROLE T o authentically represent the voices of and for Victorians who use drugs. HRVic is the state member (Victoria's representative) of the national network of drug user organisations, which is headed up by AIVL, our national peak body. OUR AIM Our aim is to educate, inform, support and advocate on behalf of all Victorians who use drugs, their friends & their allies. HRVic seeks to improve the way people who use drugs are treated in the broader community as well as by the medical community & government services. The philosophy of advancing the health & human rights of people who use drugs guides all of our work. HRVic’s interventions are individually & collectively targeted, in order to promote a culture of safer drug use. OUR TEAM If the membership are the legs that carry the org, the board of directors - the brains of HRVic, then the 15 permanent staff and over 150+ volunteers, are definitely the heart of the organisation. From a variety of backgrounds, qualifications and experience, the HRVic team is made up of current and former people who use drugs giving HRVic the advantage in drug related health promotion and a truely unique peer-spective. OUR PROGRAMS

Harm Reduction Victoria STRATEGIC PLAN 2025-2029 For the purposes of this plan, we use the term ‘our communities’ but far from owning our communities, we believe we are owned by them. Our strength comes from the lived and living peer experience of our communities, our team, our members, and our board. On behalf of the Harm Reduction Victoria Board, I am pleased to present our Strategic Plan for 2025 – 2029 Read Now Harm Reduction Victoria - Annual General Meeting Harm Reduction Victoria invites it's members: Wednesday, the 10th of December at 3-5pm at Harm Reduction Victoria’s office at: 299-305 Victoria Street, Brunswick VIC 3056. Annual Report 24-25 International Drug Users Day 2025 HRVic Scavenger Hunt & Community Dinner Friday November 7th @ 5pm-9pm @299-305 Victoria St Brunswick @ HRVic office/NSP!! JOIN A HUGE SCAVENGER HUNT to celebrate International Drug Users Day 2025!! Starting at 5pm, you will be sent on a short scavenger hunt within a 2-3 block radius of Harm Reduction Victoria, to find and solve a series of riddles and problems! There are HEAPS OF PRIZES TO BE WON!! And then JOIN US for A COMMUNITY DINNER BBQ at 7pm to see out the end of the week! FREE TO PLAY AND FREE TO EAT!!! Come have some FUN!! See you all there!!! #gottafindemall #HRVIC #harmreduction #communitydinner #freefeed #idud2025 International Overdose Awareness Day Statement “International Overdose Awareness Day is a day of solidarity with our communities. We honour every person lost to overdose and acknowledge the strength of those who carry that loss every day. Through programs like our Drug Overdose Prevention Education we are able to leverage the growing availability of naloxone in Victoria and get naloxone into more hands and prevent these deaths. Today we also welcome and acknowledge that the Victorian Department of Health and Safer Care Victoria have affirmed that non-clinical workforces in health and community services can use naloxone in their roles and that it is not precluded by legislation.1 This follows a previous statement by the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority clarifying their indemnity coverage for naloxone administration by a range of workers in insured organisations.2 International Overdose Awareness Day reminds us that every life lost to overdose is preventable. Together, by breaking down stigma, expanding harm reduction, and listening to the voices of people with lived and living experience, we can build a Victoria where fewer families are left grieving and more people are supported to live healthier, safer lives. Sione Crawford- CEO, Harm Reduction Victoria READ Full Statement Aug 21 2025: New drug checking service has OPENED at 95 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy finally! Today we're opening for services at 95 Brunswick St, as part of the new, trial, Victorian Pill Testing Service. Harm Reduction Victoria have been busy working with our partner organisations and the Department of Health on Victoria's 18 month "implementation trial" of this new harm reduction initiative. As we know, governments like to do "trials" for this kind of thing these days - although they have changed the laws and committed to it long-term. A big part of this trial is running a fixed-site service at 95 Brunswick St for a period of 12 months. And today, Thursday 21st of August, we are open for business!! Opening hours for the coming weeks are: Thursday 12pm - 4pm Friday 3pm - 7pm Saturday 1pm - 7pm READ MORE May 29 2025 C The Whole Story Forum C the Whole Story Forum III: Advancing Integration of Hepatitis C Care Registrations are now open for ASHM's C the Whole Story Forum. This free, online forum includes expert-led discussions and interactive sessions on the innovative ways hepatitis C care is being integrated across housing, mental health, and AOD settings. Register for the C the Whole Story Forum III on the ASHM website: (click button) REGISTER NOW Harm Reduction Living and Lived Experience Workforce Discipline Specific Framework Created by Harm Reduction Victoria (HRVic), in collaboration with the Victorian Department of Health aand the organisations of living and lived experience workforce development project. Read HRPW Framework It's at Beyond the Valley. It's FREE. It's Anonymous. It's Drug Checking. 1/1 ‘Mind-boggling’: Victorian outreach workers decry double standard for lifesaving overdose drug naloxone MONDAY 12.08.2024, The Guardian FULL ARTICLE HERE: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/article/2024/aug/12/mind-boggling-victorian-health-workers-decry-double-standard-for-lifesaving-overdose-drug-naxolone Untrained bystanders can legally administer the opioid-reversal treatment – but frontline workers face a legal risk if they do not first call triple zero. Richie Goonan- Youth Projects, Sione Crawford- HRVic and Chris Christoforou- VAADA talk to The Guardian around the governments confusing stance on naloxone provision Vs. administration indemnity for non clinical frontline workers who need to be able to administer the life saving medication but are unallowed to do so. Despite Victoria last year joining a federally funded program that expanded access to naloxone, a lifesaving overdose-reversal medication, frontline drug workers are met with a legal hurdle that prevents them from administering it without first calling triple zero. If they (frontline workers) face litigation due to attempting to save a life by administering naloxone, they may not be covered by any indemnity scheme if they have not spoken to an emergency services operator first. Health experts are warning about the looming threat of strong synthetic opioids, called nitazenes, to Australian drug users, shining a light on the importance of access to naloxone to treat overdoses – with researchers calling for more Australian pharmacies to stock the drug. Last month police confirmed that a synthetic opioid had been detected in the bodies of four people found dead in Melbourne in June. Naloxone – available as an injection and nasal spray – can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose or an adverse reaction. But Goonan says a nurse outreach worker at his service spent two minutes on hold with emergency services while trying to help someone experiencing an overdose. “Two minutes is an extremely long time when you’ve got someone with really shallow breathing, lips going blue,” he says. Click on link to read the whole article. Published 12.08.2024 by The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/article/2024/aug/12/mind-boggling-victorian-health-workers-decry-double-standard-for-lifesaving-overdose-drug-naxolone Victoria Needs A Potent Synthetic Opioids Plan Potent synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl and nitazenes have contributed the thousands of overdoses in other countries. In 2022, they contributed to approximately 80,000 fatal overdoses in the USA. In Australia, there have been recent health alerts indicating that illicit drugs such as cocaine have been adulterated with a range of substances, with an increasing number of alerts involving different nitazenes. While Australia has so far avoided a surge in the prevalence of these substances, a police seizure of over 11kg of fentanyl in late 2021 highlights the rapidity with which illicit drug markets could be flooded with these substances. Without access to a safer, regulated drug supply and widespread availability of harm reduction services; this would surely result in a rapid surge in overdoses and the grief that follows; it would also rapidly overwhelm our health system. In acknowledgement of this risk, Harm Reduction Victoria (HRVic) and the Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association (VAADA) have developed a paper calling for the sector and the Victorian Government to work together on developing and delivering a Potent Synthetic Opioids Plan. Sione Crawford, CEO of HRVic, says, ‘Victoria is putting in place some good foundations with drug checking promised but we also know we have no time to lose. While so far potent opioid detections have seemed like isolated incidents; we are at the point where these incidents appear to be a pattern and now require a more coordinated response. We need to ensure that all stakeholders are viewing this threat through a public health lens and we need to rapidly convene experts and communities of people who use drugs to support the response. We do not want the community to be grieving any more friends and family in the coming months and years.” Chris Christoforou, CEO of VAADA says, ‘emergency preparedness in the interests of public health is essential. When crises or natural disasters occur, having a plan that can support those most at risk and those most likely to respond first is crucial. This is why we have worked with Harm Reduction Victoria to develop this paper. By continuing to take a health led approach, and prioritising harm reduction measures, we offer a framework for a Potent Synthetic Opioids Plan to keep Victorians safe. It is through being prepared that we can best avoid the human toll from fentanyl and nitazenes currently being experienced in North America.’ Our paper can be accessed via link below. Recommendation: Establish a Synthetic Opioids Taskforce under the direction of the Chief AOD Officer to develop and operationalise a Potent Synthetic Opioids Plan, drawing on this framework to ensure that any harms which may occur due to a surge in potent synthetic opioids in Victoria are mitigated. For more information or to arrange an interview please contact David Taylor on 0413 914 206. Read HRVic/VAADA Paper Here Download .PDF Media Release DRUG ALERT JULY 2024 (Naarm/Melbourne, Victoria, and VIC wide) !!**COCAINE adulterated with opioid PROTONITAZENE**!! A white powder sold as cocaine in Melbourne has been found to contain the potent synthetic opioid 'protonitazene'. There have been recent serious harms in Naarm/Melbourne associated with a 'white powder' sold as COCAINE that contained the potent opioid PROTONITAZENE. The product appears to produce strong adverse effects such as loss of consciousness, respiratory depression, and life-threatening hypoxia. (lack of oxygen in your blood). Protonitazene is faster acting and is much stronger (100x) than heroin. It is important for everyone- REGARDLESS of the substance you are planning to take- to CARRY NALOXONE. **CARRY ON YOU!!- not keep in a cupboard at home or leave in your car glove box- It could mean the difference between life and death for someone. Naloxone is a FREE, easy-to-use, easy to get medication that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose – it is safe to use even if you are not sure whether someone has taken opioids. HRVic does FREE naloxone administration training EVERY 1st of the month and can also do 1 on 1 training from the NSP every day. Naloxone can be accessed at HRVic's NSP and at participating pharmacies, other needle and syringe programs and from the medically supervised injecting centre. You can find an approved naloxone provider on the Take Home Naloxone program webpage. https://www.health.vic.gov.au/aod-treatment-services/victorias-take-home-naloxone-program Protonitazene is one of the many NITAZENES that have been circulating throughout Australia over the past couple of years. Read more about the types of Nitazenes and their effects in the latest WHACK magazine OUT NOW at your local NSP or click HERE. If you are an HRVic Member and have not yet received a copy in the mail, email us at info@hrvic.org.au to UPDATE YOUR MEMBERSHIP. If you have any questions or want more info visit the Dept of Health alert : https://www.health.vic.gov.au/drug-alerts/cocaine-adulterated-with-protonitazene or HRVic's Overdose page on our website: www.hrvic.org.au/dope Be safe out there! Harm Reduction Victoria Welcomes Drug Checking Trial for Victoria As Victoria’s peer-based harm reduction organisation for people who use drugs, Harm Reduction Victoria welcomes the Allan Government’s announcment of a drug checking trial over the next 18 months. HRVic commend the Allan Government for listening to the evidence, experts, and most of all the wider community! We applaud their commitment to both a fixed site and mobile outreach services, and for planning to make this "important health service” permanent beyond the 18-month implementation period. As the premier's statement lays out- the trial is set to begin this summer, with mobile services attending up to 10 music festivals and events and a fixed site to also open at a yet to be disclosed site "located in an inner Melbourne area close to nightlife and transport". around mid-2025. "The government states that these services will be able to test the make-up of most pills, capsules, powders, crystals, or liquids and identify harmful chemicals that can lead to death. Importantly, they said "Trained peer workers and technical experts will be present during testing to provide personalised and confidential health information to help people make better, safer and more informed decisions." Read both the Government's press release and HRVic's statement in the below links. HUZAAH! READ FULL HRVic STATEMENT READ Premier's Statement HRVic SOCIAL MEDIA Drug Checking: Principles of Practice. A model for Victoria MAY 2024 Harm Reduction Victoria and the Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association are pleased to publish the paper Drug Checking: Principles of Practice. A Model for Victoria. This paper has been written by Professor Kate Seear in consultation with sector experts who have experience in running drug checking services along with people who are likely to use such a service. The paper presents a preferred model for drug checking in Victoria, providing principles for equitable access, an approach to reducing harms for those intending to use drugs, and the establishment of a real time public alert system that can keep our community safe. It provides the Victorian Government with expert advice on a best practice model, with budgetary considerations and guiding principles to inform how such a service should operate. Whilst drug checking is often associated with festivals and events where substances may be consumed, it has broader application, as identified by the Coroners Court with most fatalities related to dangerous substances occurring outside of a festival setting. Drug checking has now been recommended in seven Victorian coronial findings. The paper proposes a fixed site drug checking service in Melbourne where people can attend to have a sample examined, with mobile vans in place to outreach to regional and rural communities. The service would be part of a wider public early warning system, which would allow health authorities to communicate in real time should the presence of hazardous additive substances be identified "Drug checking services never recommend that a substance is completely safe to use." Drug Checking provides individuals an opportunity to see what they are taking and the chance to reconsider consuming it if they find adulterants or toxic doses in it. International evidence shows that up to 86% of people will discard a substance should they be informed that it is adulterated. A drug checking service for Victoria is smart public health policy. It will reduce the possibility of exposure to and use of toxic cutters and adulterants and provide an early warning system for the State to communicate about hazardous substances that are in the community before more people are exposed which reduces demand on our overburdened health system and first responders. Help our communities to help ourselves. Importantly it is an essential frontline defence against the threat of potent synthetic opioids such as fentanyl and nitazenes, which continue to bear catastrophic consequences overseas. Harm Reduction Victoria and the Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association are committed to working with the Victorian Government to reduce the harms of drug prohibition in our community through evidence informed, health and peer led solutions. READ THE REPORT HERE A pink and white capsule sold as ‘3C-P’ in Melbourne contains the potent opioid protonitazene. The Department of Health has issued a new Drug Alert about a pink and white capsule or white powder sold as ‘3C-P’ or in Melbourne containing the potent opioid protonitazene. Opioids are central nervous system depressants, typically producing a range of effects including pain relief, sedation and respiratory depression (dangerously slow breathing). Respiratory depression often appears more quickly with novel synthetic opioids (NSOs), increasing the risk of life-threatening overdose. Protonitazene is an extremely potent NSO, which means it can produce strong effects in very small amounts. There has been one serious recent hospitalisation in Victoria associated with this pink and white capsule. Due to the potency of NSOs, the product produces strong adverse opioid effects such as loss of consciousness, respiratory depression, and life-threatening hypoxia (insufficient oxygen for normal functioning). It’s important to know the signs of opioid overdose and to carry naloxone to reverse opioid overdose . HRVic has naloxone available for FREE from our NSP at 299-305 Victoria St Brunswick. We can also do one on one training with you if you don't know how to use. Or check out o ur info on naloxone on our 'Recognise & Respond to Overdose' page. Anyone who experiences adverse drug effects or is present when someone has an unexpected reaction to a drug should seek help immediately by calling Triple Zero (000). 23 April 2024 Listen to People Who Use Drugs: More Injecting Rooms & More Peer Leadership! The HRVic response to the Hon. Jacinta Allan’s ‘Statewide Action Plan to Reduce the Harms of Drug Use' We express our deep disappointment at the announcement by the Victorian Government to reject a second injecting room in the Melbourne CBD. The lack of safe spaces to consume drugs is driving overdose rates and resulting in significant harms to our community. The government has instead announced a “State-Wide Action Plan To Save Lives and Reduce Drug Harm ”, that includes a range of measures to address overdoses across the state; including more pharmacotherapy, naloxone and “care and support”, as well as starting the development of a statewide AOD strategy. Essentially implementing all of the recommendations in the Ken Lay report, “except for one” - a second injecting room. “These are welcome investments; although they would be more effective alongside an injecting room. We will be watching closely to ensure that people who use drugs; the actual community of people directly affected by this issue; are meaningfully included in the design and implementation of all of these new investments.” - Sione Crawford, CEO of Harm Reduction Victoria. We know that operating large, Medically Supervised Injecting Rooms, such as the one in North Richmond, is an expensive and logistically complicated operation. We know that the Victorian Government was unable to convince businesses and residents in the CBD to overcome their fear and stigma around these services. But what we also know; is that these injecting rooms don’t have to be so large, so expensive and so medically supervised. Successful examples from around the world involve fewer medical staff, less clinical oversight and an expanded role for peer support and community-based harm reduction interventions. These are ultimately less expensive and more effective. “The Government’s new State-Wide Action Plan and forthcoming drug strategy must include many, smaller, peer-based safer drug consumption spaces. This will reduce the burden on amenity in surrounding areas and truly empower people who use drugs to keep ourselves, our friends and our communities safe from overdose and drug-related harms.” For further comment, contact Harm Reduction Victoria: (03) 9329 1500 Frankston Healthcare Clinic 06.03.2024 No further updates. More Harm Reduction and Healthcare, Not more Cops and Dogs at Festivals 17.01.2024 Community Statement Re. MDMA & Heat and Drug Checking in VIC in 2024 After the recent unfortunate hospitalisations at last week's music festivals due to a mix of mostly MDMA and hot weather, community and experts are crying out for a change but despite this outcry and the coroner's ongoing recommendations for drug checking in Victoria, it feels like we are no closer to drug-checking. On the ABC Melbourne morning radio show yesterday, the Premier was asked straight up, when we will get drug checking in our state. The good news is she did not rule it out. She also namechecked our amazing program, DanceWize. DanceWize-a harm reduction event care program, run by Harm Reduction Victoria, was contracted to provide peer led event care and drug harm reduction education at both events, however, with our 25 extensively trained community volunteers, 2 paid staff, and limited resources, it's tough. We handed out free water, sunscreen, and gave harm reduction advice to the 35k strong crowds, but reaching everyone is always a challenge. DanceWize is a vital frontline service, relying on dedicated community volunteers from all backgrounds for peer harm reduction advice and personalised care at events. The government's move to increase Police sniffer dog (PAD) and search operations was short-sighted, making people more likely to take drugs in riskier ways. READ COMPLETE STATEMENT HERE HR23 16-19 April 2023 To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. Harm Reduction Victoria and DanceWize: HardMission 2023 Medical Episodes Media Statement 08.01.2024 Sione Crawford, Harm Reduction Victoria CEO said, “In the absence of a legal drug-checking service in Victoria, DanceWize is one of the only ways to help keep people safe when they take illicit drugs at festivals in our state, but we already stretch ourselves to keep up with demand.” DanceWize was contracted to provide peer-based harm reduction health promotion and a care space for patrons, for the HardMission event on Saturday the 6th of January. Our thoughts are with the people who were affected by the adverse health events, as well as their friends and family and the health care workers involved. None of the eight medical episodes that were escalated to critical care by the medical services involved the DanceWize service or volunteers. We work closely with medical services and it appears that this stressful circumstance was handled very well. Read Full Statement Here COMMUNITY ALERT ⚠️WARNING!!⚠️ Stronger than usual heroin seems to be in circulation across Narrm/metro Melbourne city and outer suburbs to the Geelong area. There have been multiple reports of very strong gear across all areas of Melbourne, and some from Geelong as well. ❗️ Please be careful and look after each other while using! . ❗️Check on anyone that you come across who appears to be passed out ( e.g. on the street, public transport etc. Please don't worry about waking or 'bothering' someone if you could be saving their life! ❗️CALL 000 IMMEDIATELY if you can not wake them. WHAT DOES OPIOID OVERDOSE LOOK LIKE? 🔵discoloured skin (blue or ashen/grey), often around the mouth 😮💨shallow or slowed breathing (less than 12 breaths per minute) 🥶cold, clammy skin 🤮vomit or choking 😴snoring/gurgling (sometimes called a “death rattle”) 😵UNRESPONSIVE or NO CLEAR RESPONSE #drugalert #heroin #communityPSA #carrynaloxone #stopoverdose DRUG CHECKING: VIC DRUG LAW REFORM 77 agencies want a drug checking system in Victoria -aligning with 4 Victorian coronial findings. This will save lives and provide vital information on potentially harmful adulterants that may be in substances prior to consumption. #drugchecking #harmreduction #sayknowtodrugs #wedeservetochoose #drugcheckinginvictoria #druglawreform The statement can be found here from 8.30am Monday 23 October: READ HERE In Solidarity. OCT 25.2023: Statement of Support of DULF & Condemnation of DULF founders sudden arrest FULL STATEMENT July 5, 2023 Expressions Of Interest EOIs CLOSED The Royal Commission into the Victorian Mental Health System, highlighted that lived experience led service delivery and partnership in decision making is a key strategy for reform. The lived experience leadership strategy project will encompass lived & living experience leadership across Mental health, AOD and Harm Reduction, and will seek to answer questions about LE workforce, partnership, leadership and the barriers needing to be overcome to guide the LE leadership strategy The Department of Health has been funded SHARC to engage, contract and support LE technical experts to contribute and help guide the project coordinator around the LLE technical experts areas of expertise: Mental Health – Consumers Mental Health – Family & Carers AOD – Consumers AOD – Family & Carers Harm Reduction The LE leadership strategy project is seeking a number of experienced LE technical experts with extensive experience in working from a lived or living experience particularly at a strategic and systems level. A call for expression of interest is now open, see document attached, EOI form needs to be completed and sent in by end of day 23rd July 2023 For more information contact people are on page 6 of the EOI document. (ABOVE) Are you prescribed Methadone (liquid), Buprenorphine (Suboxone® / Subutex®) or paying for a monthly/weekly Buvidal® or Sublocade® injection at this Chemist? CHANGE IS COMING JULY 01 2023 FAQs DOWNLOAD .PDF If you have further questions, call the office on 03-93291500 or if you are having trouble call HRVic’s PAMS free phone service on 1800 443 844 (Monday-Friday 10:30AM-5PM) or click on the Australian Government's Department of Health & Aged Care PDF here > MORE INFO Our National peak organisation AIVL is holding an ONLINE Consumers Forum on the changes to ODT (Opioid Dependence Treatment) dosing fees on Friday 30 June at 3pm. Register HERE to attend this online Q&A forum for anyone on pharmacotherapy OVERDOSES KEEP ON KILLING US- IT'S TIME TO CHANGE Harm Reduction Victoria PUBLIC STATEMENT 31 AUGUST Intl. Overdose Awareness Day READ HERE DOWNLOAD Complete IOAD Rally 2022 Promo Kit Incl. social media tiles, posters, flyer and FB profile frame Download .zip DOWNLOAD Flyer ONLY .pdf to print Download Poster pdf CULTURAL WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that the following post contains the names and stories of proud Aboriginal women now resting in the Dreaming. The Inquest into the death of Ronnie Nelson Began This Week.... Veronica M Nelson: Inquest (vals.org.au) This case is imperative- firstly, to ensure justice for Veronica and secondly, for many of us, past and present, in the community. We at Harm Reduction Victoria are watching this inquest carefully to understand whether her health status is seen to have impacted on how she was treated and why it appears that basic duties of care were not followed in our Victorian system. This affects too many of us in similar situations. READ MORE Video Presentation The NarcoFeminism Story Share Project 22.03.22 HRVic are proud to share with our community, this amazing new video featuring the narcofeminism story share model of the North Carolina Urban Survivors Union. In this video we hear from womxn who use drugs as they share stories about their drug use, stigma, discrimination, pregnancy and parenting. Watch the video here : https://youtu.be/PnGcnR5eI8s Or listen to it as a podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3LNsjjkJ4FQCo8ZRxEUWY5?si=UBR64KnbSxCnJEhpSBIolQ The story share model is an important tool for deconstructing the internalized narratives around the drug war. Traditional story share models often reinforce tropes and stigma we find in existing cultural narrative projects. Reproductive Harm Reduction is an inclusive powerful new paradigm focused on pregnant and parenting people who use drugs, and it was born from the Narcofeminism story share experience. Thank you so much to Louise Vincent for conceptualizing and coordinating this video, and to Drugreporter for overseeing the editing and production.