HARM REDUCTION Vs. HARM MINIMISATION Harm reduction is a way of promoting health and preventing drug related harm that meets people where they are at. Harm reduction focuses on reducing the risks and adverse health consequences associated with unsafe drug use, in particular HIV and viral hepatitis. Harm reduction programs have been shown to lower risk of HIV and hepatitis transmission for drug users by offering information and assistance in a non-judgmental manner. Important Principles of Harm Reduction Include: A non-judgmental approach that treats every person with dignity, compassion, and respect. Use of evidence-based and cost-effective practices to prevent and reduce drug related harm Active and meaningful participation of drug users and community stakeholders in shaping sensible policies and practices around drug use Focus on enhancing quality of life for individuals and communities, rather than promoting cessation of all drug use Recognition of the determinants of health and the complex interplay of social factors that influence vulnerability to drug-related harm, including poverty, social inequality and discrimination Empowerment of drug users as the primary agents in reducing drug related harms Commitment to defending universal human rights. Harm reduction activities and interventions to improve the health and quality of life for people who use drugs and their communities, include: Peer education- people who use drugs informing and educating people who use drugs Needle and syringe programs (NSPs); Pharmacotherapies (ORT) for drug dependence, including methadone and suboxone; Voluntary testing for HIV, viral hepatitis and other STIs or blood borne infections; Confidential pre and post-test discussion and counselling Access to treatment for HIV and hepatitis C & B and other STIs Provision of primary health care including wound care and vein care Overdose prevention activities, including peer distribution of Naloxone and first aid training; Referral to drug treatment programs as requested. Some other forms of Harm Reduction include: Seatbelts in vehicles Cancer Screening Wearing bicycle helmets Using condoms Sun screen and sun protection Nicotine patches/gum ALL IN A NAME. Harm Reduction Victoria recognise that abstinence (i.e. quitting drugs altogether) isn’t realistic or possible for everyone who uses drugs. This should not disqualify drug users from the same chances and choices about their health care as non-users. By learning about drugs and ways to reduce the possible harms associated with drug use, we empower ourselves to make informed choices. HRVic’s aim is to provide non-judgmental, relevant, accurate and up to date information. HARM REDUCTION VS HARM MINIMISATION Aren't they the same thing? In a word? No. Since 1985 Australia’s documented drug strategy has aimed to address the harmful use of licit drugs (tobacco, alcohol and pharmaceutical drugs) , illicit drugs (heroin, cannabis, cocaine and amphetamine-type stimulants) and other psychoactive substances (e.g. inhalants) , using a harm minimisation approach. The principle of ‘harm minimisation’ provides the overarching framework for drug policy in Australia [1, 2] . There are multiple ways to minimise the harms to individuals and communities from drug use – reflecting this, the framework of harm minimisation encompasses the three pillars of demand reduction , harm reduction , and supply reduction [3] . Harm minimisation seeks a balance between these elements, and is regarded as an evidence-based and pragmatic approach [4] . This approach has facilitated collaboration across health, law enforcement and education, as well as partnerships between governments and with non-government agencies and community stakeholders. Ritter A, Lancaster K, Grech K, Reuter P (2011) Monograph No. 21: An assessment of illicit drug policy in Australia (1985-2010): Themes and trends. Sydney: National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre Ritter A, Lancaster K (2013) Policy models and influences on policy processes. In: Ritter A, Hamilton M, King T, eds. Drug Use in Australian Society. South Melbourne: Oxford University Press Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy (2011) National Drug Strategy 2010-2015: A framework for action on alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Canberra: Commonwealth of Australia Ritter A, Cameron J (2006) A review of the efficacy and effectiveness of harm reduction strategies for alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs. Drug and Alcohol Review;25:611-624

DanceWize is the original, Australian, peer-based alcohol and other drugs (AOD) harm reduction program of HRVic, that delivers peer education, care and support services at music events and festivals across Victoria. Starting as a grassroots Victorian group known as RaveSafe, DanceWize has been a program of Harm Reduction Victoria since 1999. We bring together the carers, educators and supporters from party crews and scenes across the state, train them up, and support them to work from their living experience to promote wellbeing and safety at parties across Victoria. The effectiveness and value of the DanceWize model is reflected in its uptake by peer-based drug user organisations and peak bodies in jurisdictions across Australia. Safer events are a shared responsibility. DanceWize operates through a public-private partnership model. Victorian Department of Health funding supports our core work, and event organisers contribute to service delivery costs, ensuring peer-led harm reduction remains sustainable, accessible, and effective across Victoria's events industry. Brief Interventions & Peer Education Our Brief Interventions generally take place at the front-of-house of the DanceWize Space. They consist of non judgmental, up-to-date, real information around substances and safer using education, provided through a peer-to-peer framework. Our Key Peer Educators provide resources and referrals around safer drug use, and related health and wellbeing issues at music events and festivals. Partygoers and event staff can access extensive substance information, free health and safer using education, peer support, relevant referrals, and the full range of harm reduction and health supplies. See our Resources List for a comprehensive overview. Care Interventions & Care Space On site, the DanceWize Care Space is usually located within close proximity to the on-site medical provider. Here, our trained Carers hold space in a soft and low-stimuli setting for those needing a chill moment, provide tailored support for intoxicated persons experiencing distress, and deliver an integrated, reciprocal referral model for care with the onsite medical/first aid provider. All patrons are assessed and managed in accordance with strict protocols and in collaborative, integrated step up/step down partnership with the on-site medical team. Service Name I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It’s easy. Service Name I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It’s easy. Get a Quote This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to start editing the content. First Name Last Name Email Send Thanks for submitting!

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Hepatitis C- Testing, Treatment & Prevention Are you looking for a GP to prescribe you the new hep C treatment? We have compiled a list of clinics and doctors who are happy to treat people who are currently using drugs without judgement or shame - and who we know are prescribing the new Hep C meds. We have no way of guaranteeing that you will get an appointment but hopefully, with these few tools, it will make the getting of the new hep C treatment a little bit easier for us all. Melbourne Area Northern Suburbs/ Inner North West ReGen -Coburg Integrated Hep C Clinical Nurse Consultant- Sally Watkinson 26 Jessie St, Coburg VIC 3058 Phone: (03) 9386 2876 Website: www.regen.org.au *Wednesday Afternoons - 2-4:30pm Grantham Street Practice Dr Ohnmar John 69 Grantham Street Brunswick West, VIC 3055 Phone: (03) 9380 1384 Website: http://www.gsgp.com.au/ Lotus Medical Centre Dr Magdy Ramzy Address : Suite 3 & 4 200 Sydney Road, Brunswick VIC 3056 Phone: (03) 9380 1588 Website: Northside Clinic All GPs 370 St Georges Road, Fitzroy North VIC 3068 Phone: (03) 9485 7700 Website: www.northsideclinic.net.au Western Suburbs/ Inner West coHealth Healthworks – Footscray Dr 4-12 Buckley Street Footscray VIC 3011 Phone: (03) 9362 8100 Website: https://www.cohealth.org.au Meadows Medical Centre Dr. Michael Aufgang Address: 311 Queen St. Altona Meadows VIC 3028 Phone: (03) 9369 4266 Hours: 9am–6pm Website: coHealth Kensington Dr Nadia Chaves visiting infectious disease specialist. GP referral required. Address: 12 Gower Street, Kensington Phone: (03) 8378 1600 coHealth Joslin Clinic Doctor(s): Dr Erin Gordon Address: 575a Barkly Street, Footscray Phone: (03) 9912 2000 coHealth Paisley St, Footscray Doctor(s): Dr Erin Gordon Address: 78 Paisley Street, Footscray Phone: (03) 8398 4100 Please note: If people are not already a patient at cohealth or Inner Space then they will need to be seen as a new patient, which requires a double appointment. coHealth Braybrook or coHealth Laverton Integrated Hep C Clinical Nurse Consultant- Sally Watkinson Call 9448 5507 for appointments. Walk in’s are fine but best to call first. Tuesdays – 9.30 -12.30 Inner City coHealth Fitzroy Doctor(s): Dr Ohnmar John, Dr Sophie Mancey-Jones Address : 75 Brunswick St, Fitzroy 3065 Phone: (03) 9411 3555 Please note: If people are not already a patient at cohealth or Inner Space then they will need to be seen as a new patient, which requires a double appointment. coHealth Collingwood Doctor(s): Dr Kate Coles Address : 365 Hoddle St, Collingwood Phone: (03) 9411 4333 Victorian Aboriginal Health Service Doctor(s): Dr Ohnmar John Address : 186 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy 3065 Phone: (03) 9419 3000 Errol St Medical Centre, North Melbourne Doctor(s): Dr Zahra Mokhayer ONLY Address : 65-67 Errol St, North Melbourne VIC 3051 Phone: (03) 9329 7011 Victoria Street Acupuncture & Medical Clinic, North Melbourne Doctor(s): Dr John Jagoda Address : 436 Victoria St, North Melbourne VIC 3051 Phone: (03) 9328 4034 Website: www. vmac.com.au we have a Div 1 Nurse full time on the premises. North Richmond Community Health, North Richmond Doctor(s): All GPs Address : 23 Lennox St, Richmond VIC 3121 Phone: (03) 9418 9800 Website: http://www.nrch.com.au/ Appointments need to be booked online nrch.com.au Youth Projects Living Room Currently closed for renovations Integrated Hep C Clinical Nurse Consultant- Sally Watkinson 7-9 Hosier Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000 Phone: (03) 9662 4488 Website: http://www.youthprojects.org.au/health/programs/living-room *Must be homeless or at risk of homelessness Inner Space- Health Living Clinic Address : 4 Johnston Street, Collingwood Vic 3066 Phone: (03)9468 2800 Website: innerspace.org.au Please note: If people are not already a patient at cohealth or Inner Space then they will need to be seen as a new patient, which requires a double appointment. Inner South Access Health, St Kilda Dr Belinda McDonald, Dr Josephine Samuel-King & Dr Joseph Sherman 31 Grey St, St Kilda VIC 3182 03) 9536 7780 Website:: http://crisisservicesnetwork.org.au/access-health/ Starhealth / Better Health Network Dr Belinda McDonald, & Dr Joseph Sherman 341 Coventry Street South Melbourne 3205 03) 9525 1300 First Step, St Kilda Integrated Hep C Clinical Nurse Consultant- Sally Watkinson 42 Carlisle St, St Kilda VIC 3182 Phone : T: (03) 9537 3177 Website: www.firstep.org.au *Monday Afternoons St Kilda Superclinic Dr Simon Rose Acland Court, 156-160 Acland St, St Kilda VIC 3182 Phone : (03) 9525 5766 Website: http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/en/Find-Us/Victoria/CrisisServices/Program-Information/Health-Services/ South East Prahran Market Clinic, Prahran Dr. Sven Strecker Pran Central Shopping Centre, 325 Chapel St, Prahran VIC 3181 Phone : T: (03) 9514 0888 Website: www.prahranmarketclinic.com *Apparently ALL doctors at this clinic are prescribing East/ North East Wantirna Medical Clinic Dr Kristina Flego 103 Harold Street, Wantirna VIC 3152 Phone : T: (03) 9800 2088 Website: Side note: We Need Your Help! At HRVic , we receive calls and emails daily from our community asking about hep C treatment prescribers. We have been compiling a Treatment Prescriber list for the past few years and it is turning out to be much more difficult than we first imagined and a whole lot more work. As well as this, some doctors are asking us to NOT to put them on a list as the few who are prescribing, are over run with patients at the moment. If you are wondering if your GP or a clinic near you is prescribing the new treatments, the best thing to do is CALL the clinic directly and ask them. If you find out that they are or aren’t, then please let us know so we can add it to our list or take them off. We are all in this together and if we can all help each other out the better we will all be for it. We would appreciate any assistance you can give in this matter. Regional Victoria Ballarat Ballarat Community Health *ALL 3 Locations Doctor(s): Hep C Nurse(s)- Kirsty Simpson and/or Chloda Sainsbury* Address : 12 Lilburne St LUCAS, 10 Learmonth Rd WENDOUREE, 260 Vickers St SEBASTOPOL, 19 Heales St SMYTHESDALE Phone : Kirsty- (03) 53384572 , Chloda- (03) 53204211 *Mondays and Wednesdays Romsey Romsey Medical Doctor(s):Dr Paul Grinzi Address : 99 Main Street, Romsey VIC 3434 Phone : (03) 5429 5254 Wodonga, Mildura and Sheparton Doctor(s): Integrated Hep C Clinical Nurse Consultant- Sally Watkinson *please contact Sally for more details sally.watkinson@mh.org.au Gisborne Neal Street Medical Clinic Doctor(s): Dr Ben Crowther Address : 5 Neal St Gisborne VIC Phone : (03) 5483 3333 Drouin West Gippsland Family Practice Doctor(s): All Address : 25 Young Street, Druin VIC 3818 Phone : (03) 56256500 and 03) 56256555 **HAS A VEIN FINDER** Our list is being maintained & updated as often as needed & is possible. If you are getting treated or have been treated and have had a GOOD experience WITHOUT judgement or shame around your substance use or your situation, PLEASE SHARE your story with the rest of our community as some of us are having a difficult time finding an understanding doctor or PLEASE FEEL FREE TO POST ON OUR #TREATME FACEBOOK PAGE Find out all the latest on the Direct Acting Antiviral treatments and their effects and speak to others who have had or are thinking about having the new treatments for Hep C, on our HRVic #treatme facebook page https://www.facebook.com/hrvic.treatme ABOUT THE DAAs (DIRECT ACTING ANTIVIRALS) Blood Borne Virus Peer Workshops & Staff Training NEXT PEER WORKSHOPS COMING UP NEXT STAFF TRAINING COMING UP

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

Want to join the team at HRVic? Find out how here. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES POSITION VACANT Event Services Coordination Lead This position has been established following the completion of an 18-month drug checking implementation trial. Due to the specialised technical and operational expertise required, the unique complexities of mobile service delivery, relevant legislative and regulatory frameworks, funding considerations, and the evolving nature of the DCS over the next 12 months., this position encompasses two primary functions: · Providing leadership in event planning, coordination and operational delivery of the mobile drug checking service; and · Progressively enhancing skills and experience, (with mentoring and support) to become a key management contact for HRVic and the mobile drug checking service if deemed necessary in the future. For more detailed information and a full position description, click the link below. All Applicants must submit their applications along with the required selection criteria as mentioned in the attachment by August 30, 2026 at midnight. FAIRNESS STATEMENT: Some parts of this position have been filled on a short-term basis and is now being advertised through our standard EOI process. The incumbent is eligible to apply and will be considered alongside all other applicants. The incumbent may use examples gained through undertaking the position as evidence of capability. However, all applicants will be assessed against the same criteria, and selection will be based on merit against the advertised requirements. Incumbent status alone will not determine the outcome of the process. If you have any questions or queries about this role, please contact Harm Reduction Victoria on 03 9329 1500. View Application Details POSITION VACANT Drug Trends & Notifications Project Lead The Drug Trends & Notifications Project Lead will provide expert advice from the perspective of people with living and lived experience (LLE) of substance use in support of a 24-hour turnaround of Victorian Drug Notifications. This is an expanded function to enable existing levels of expert living experience advice – currently provided during business hours by Harm Reduction Victoria through their core functions – to be available systematically on a 7-day-per-week basis, when needed. For full position details click link. MORE INFO POSITION VACANT Harm Reduction Peer Workforce Educator Applications CLOSED. CLOSED POSITION VACANT Harm Reduction Peer Worker for Events: Victorian Pill Testing Service CLOSED POSITION VACANT Fixed Site Operations Lead CLOSED 12.03.2025 POSITION VACANT: Hepatitis C Peer Outreach Worker CLOSED 29.01.25 POSITION VACANT: Project Worker(s), Fuse Initiatives CLOSED 31.10.2024 POSITION VACANT: Program Support Officer, DanceWize (Casual) CLOSED POSITION VACANT: Coordinator, Fuse Initiatives (Fulltime) CLOSED 28.02.2024 POSITION VACANT: PAMS Services Officer CLOSED DanceWize Coordinator APPLICATIONS CLOSED PAMS Service Officer - Pharmacotherapy Advocacy Mediation and Support 2022 APPLICATIONS CLOSED Fuse Projects- LLE (living/living experience) Educator 2022 APPLICATIONS CLOSED Fuse Projects- LLEW Policy Officer APPLICATIONS CLOSED Health Promotion Officer – Workforce Focus 2022 APPLICATIONS CLOSED Health Promotion Officer – Community Focus 2022 APPLICATIONS CLOSED Organisational Services Support Officer 2022 APPLICATIONS CLOSED EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES ELSEWHERE AIVL : https://aivl.org.au/employment-opportunities Ethical Jobs: www.ethicaljobs.com.au

VPTS Website 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 (24-25 and 25-26) festival season. We will attend up to 10 festivals and events throughout the trial period. Fixed-site service: Opened in August 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 a consortium made up of 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

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

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

HRVic's PAMS phone service provides info around & help with methadone or suboxone or Subutex programs in Victoria Top of Page FOR PEOPLE ON OR STARTING PHARMACOTHERAPY (METHADONE (liquid), SUBOXONE (bupe/naloxone), SUBUTEX(bupe), or BUVIDAL, SUBLOCADE (long acting bupe injections) HRVic's PAMS service has access to the latest pharmacotherapy information. ALREADY ON TREATMENT? How PAMS can help you: CHOOSE ONE I AM CURRENTLY TAKING PHARMACOTHERAPY (methadone / bupe / suboxone / long acting injectable bupe) NOT ON TREATMENT YET? I AM THINKING ABOUT STARTING or I WANT TO START TAKING PHARMACOTHERAPY FAQs Frequently Asked Questions We strongly encourage you to call us PH: 1800 443 844 so that we can make sure we thoroughly understand your situation. Scroll over the questions to reveal their answers CURRENTLY NOT AVAILABLE ON PHONES What is Suboxone? Suboxone is a combination of buprenorphine with naloxone. Suboxone comes in the form of a tablet and a dissolvable film that is placed under the tongue. What is buprenorphine? Buprenorphine is a synthetic opioid that produces weaker euphoric effects than say, heroin or methadone but it reduces or eliminates your symptoms. What is methadone? Methadone a powerful synthetic analgesic drug which is similar to morphine in its effects but less sedative and is used as a substitute drug in the treatment of morphine and heroin dependence. How many methadone take away doses (TADs) can I get? Usually 4, but COVID 19 has had a positive effect on take aways giving most clients up to 6 TADs a week. Personal Shoppers I've been told I can't be dosed at my pharmacy anymore. Are they allowed to do this? Yes. Pharmacies are private businesses. They do not have to provide a service to anybody, regardless if the person is on a pharmacotherapy program. Easy Returns My pharmacist refuses to dose me unless I have the money to pay for it? Is this legal? What can I do? Yes. Your pharmacist doesn't have to dose anyone who can't pay for it. If you need help with this, please call PAMS and we can try to work out a payment plan for you. Easy Returns My doctor has told me that I have to find another prescriber. Don't they need to find me a new one if they can't prescribe? Generally, if a GP bans a client from their practice- and YES they CAN DO THAT- they will make sure the person has a script to cover them for at least a week. Finding a new prescriber can be hard, contact PAMS as soon as you know you need a new GP and we can try to help. Easy Returns I have to go to court tomorrow and I will need another take away dose, Can my pharmacist just give me one extra? If you have used your prescribed take aways for the week, you will need to get your prescriber to add another T/A dose for this week. Make sure you ask BEFORE your court date. Some GPs will do this over the phone to the pharmacist-some won't. Easy Returns I have missed two doses this week. My script says I can have 4 take aways per week but my pharmacist is now refusing to give me any , What can I do? It is best to talk with your doctor about this. If you need help with this, please call PAMS and we can try to advocate for you. Some things to consider before going on 'the program'. The decision to start pharmacotherapy is often made in a state of crisis- in a rush, with little thought given to the long term consequences. Ask yourself a few things before taking the leap – particularly if you have not been on a pharmacotherapy program before. Is this your decision or do you feel pressured by others? Is there threat of incarceration or the removal of children? Is the program part of your parole or CBO conditions? If it’s not your decision, this may influence your chances of success. Is this the best treatment option for you at this point in your life? Why? Do you know about the different pharmacotherapy options ie. Methadone or Suboxone or long acting bupe injection? Do you know which is likely to suit you best and why? Are you aware of the alternatives to pharmacotherapy such as a detox program either at home or as part of a residential program? If you have tried the alternatives and they did not work, Why? Are you prepared to make a long term commitment? Pharmacotherapy usually works best as a long-term commitment. How long do you expect your pharmacotherapy program to last? Do you have to travel for work or regularly? It is still possible to travel (almost anywhere) when on a program, but it does mean you need to organise things in advance. Do you know about the different pharmacotherapy options ie. Methadone or Suboxone or long acting bupe injection? Do you know which is likely to suit you best and why? Are you aware of the commitments involved like visiting a GP at least monthly and a pharmacy every day (in the first few months)? Can you afford the dispensing fee (approx. $7.30 per 28 day prescription(w/ Health Care card) or $30(without)? Could you get to a pharmacy every day if it was required by your prescriber? Will picking up your daily dose interfere with your employment, family commitments, study etc? Are there service providers (doctor & pharmacist) near where you live and do they have vacancies ? Unfortunately, NOT ALL GPs will prescribe pharmacotherapy. This can be a particular problem if you live in a regional/rural area. Are you involved in any other type of drug treatment at present? (for example individual counselling) Have you spoken to others on a program? Although everybody’s experience is different, it can be extremely helpful to talk to your peers and ask them how the program works for them. Do you feel well informed? If the answer is yes, and you have decided to embark on a pharmacotherapy program, it is time to act.

Victoria Safe Injecting Room decision commended by affected communities Harm Reduction Victoria commends the Victorian Government for committing to a second safe injecting facility in Melbourne and extending the trial of the North Richmond injecting room. As a peer organisation comprised of people with lived experience of drug use, we congratulate the Premier, Daniel Andrews and his government Ministers for their commitment to inclusivity in Victoria and their support and compassion for people on the margins, including people who inject drugs and all of those affected by overdose. Sione Crawford, Harm Reduction Victoria CEO says, “We know that fatal drug overdose takes too many lives in Victoria. The new injecting facility in central Melbourne will save lives, just as the North Richmond's Medically Supervised Injecting Room has succeeded in doing, for the past two years.” “Harm Reduction Victoria will continue to partner with North Richmond Community Health to facilitate peer and consumer engagement in supporting the MSIR and looks forward to continuing its partnerships with all stakeholders to help make the new facility the best it can be for the community that will use it.” End For further comment or information please contact Harm Reduction Victoria on 03 9329 1500. About Harm Reduction Victoria: We are a consumer and peer organisation comprised of people with a lived experience of injecting and illicit drug use. We are committed to the principles of harm reduction which are built upon respect and tolerance for all people in our community. Nothing about us without us. See the Announcement here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=769822453760567

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