Button Around 170,000 Australians are living with chronic hepatitis C infection. Many Australians do not know they are infected, or that they could be cured. These people are at risk of developing liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Some people will require liver transplants, and many will not survive. They are also at risk of transmitting the virus onto others. The consequences of hepatitis C in Australia are far-reaching, but they don't need to be. Hepatitis C is treatable and curable. It's therefore essential that we test and treat as many at-risk people as we can. It's simple and cheap to be tested, and curative treatments are now listed on Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). HRVic is committed to working with the rest of Australia towards the World Health Organisation's goal of eliminating hepatitis C by 2030. HRVic have joined forces with the Burnet Institute and EC Australia. We have developed an approach that involves peer specialists working at strategic clinical services to assist our community to navigate and overcome the barriers to treatment and to access services. Introducing the PATH program- Peer Assisted Treatment for Hepatitis. and now the PATH-Ex program- an extension of the PATH program. The aim of PATH-Ex is to ensure that People Who Use Drugs are empowered, informed and supplied with the tools needed to access information, testing and treatment for hep C. We seek to take advantage of the unique empathy and support that comes only from the peer-to-peer relationship to encourage engagement with health services and ongoing support to jump through the hoops that life can put in our way when undertaking any longer term treatment course. You can read more about these principles here . Our PATH workers are outposted in St Kilda, the city and Footscray and the west. During COVID lockdown they are only able to undertake outreach, but as the lockdown end we are hoping to be back to more hours at Access Health, Living Room and cohealth West.

Subutex is the less widely used of two buprenorphine formulations available to opiate pharmacotherapy consumers in Victoria, (Suboxone being the other). Subutex is a mono-formulation of buprenorphine available in 0.4, 2 & 8mg sub-lingual tablets. It was the first buprenorphine product to become available in Victoria, but has been largely superseded by Suboxone (a buprenorphine/naloxone formulation.) The presence of the opiate antagonist naloxone in Suboxone makes it less attractive than Subutex to clients who may wish to divert their dose with intention of injecting it. Because of the harms associated with this practice, doctors are less willing to prescribe Subutex and take away doses are only available in a handful of circumstances. Subutex tablets are placed beneath the tongue, where they are absorbed directly into the blood-stream through the mucous membrane. Clients on low doses sometimes find Subutex preferable because the 0.4mg tablet can allow for more accurate dosing. 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. Though scientific evidence is scant, this ceiling effect presumably varies with the individual. The maximum allowable dose of buprenorphine is 32mg. Injecting Subutex If another opiate – like heroin, methadone or oxycodone – is present in the system when Subutex is injected, precipitated withdrawal may result, as the opioid will be rapidly displaced from opiate receptors by the buprenorphine. Injecting Subutex 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 Subutex, please contact PAMS. Take Away Doses of Subutex There are no routine take away doses of Subutex, unless the consumer is: Pregnant and/or breast-feeding Has a documented allergy to the naloxone (present in Suboxone). Is on a dose of <2mg (this because a 0.4mg tablet of buprenorphine is available, but not in the combined buprenorphine-naloxone (Suboxone) formulation. If a person meets any of the above criteria, take away doses may be provided if the prescriber assesses the client as being stable and there are no other issues of concern. If you have any questions or want to discuss your individual situation, please contact PAMS PH: 1800 443 844.

Bayside The Bayside areas covers Albert Park to Mordialloc to Clayton, Malvern to Toorak. 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. Access Health 31 Grey Street, St Kilda Walk-in covid vaccine clinic Friday 1st October 2pm –4pm Friday 8th October 2pm-5pm Friday 15th October 2pm-5pm Prahran Townhall Book your COVID-19 vaccination on the Star Health website. Malvern Town Hall, 1251 High Street, Malvern Opening hours – Monday to Thursday, 9:00am to 4:00pm Priority client cohorts - individual and group bookings can be arranged by our internal COVID Helpline on 8644 3311 Walk in appointments for priority clients and VCE students. Sacred Heart Mission 87 Grey Street St Kilda: Vaccine clinic: every Tuesday and Thursday 9.30am- 2pm Port Melbourne Town Hall 333 Bay Street, Port Melbourne Opening hours – Monday to Thursday, 9:00am to 4:00pm Priority individual and group bookings can be arranged by our internal COVID Helpline on 8644 3311 Walk in appointments for priority clients and VCE students. More Coming Soon Stay tuned for more locations. FIND A PHARMACY BAYSIDE

WHAT IS HARM REDUCTION? 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... As our name suggests (Harm Reduction Victoria), HARM REDUCTION is our stock and trade and all the information on our website is based on a ‘harm reduction’ approach to drug use. ‘Harm reduction’ recognizes that abstinence (i.e. quitting drugs altogether) isn’t realistic or possible for everyone. However, this should not disqualify drug users from the same chances and choices about health care as non-users. By learning about drugs and ways to reduce the harms associated with drug use, you are empowering yourself to make informed choices. HRVic’s website provides you with non-judgmental, accurate, up to date information so that you can make healthy choices for yourself . Rather than re-inventing the wheel, we have included links to other excellent websites, and to other drug user organisations, for all the information you need to stay safe. 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

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Quick View Terumo 1ml Price $0.00 NEW!! Quick View *UPDATED Substance Specific Brochure Set* Price $8.00 Quick View MSIR Community Support poster Out of stock NEW RESOURCE Quick View EC Ezy Card- Hep C Treatment "things Have Changed" (25 cards) Out of stock Quick View Naloxone Administration Poster-Prenoxad (multi dose syringe) Price $2.00 Quick View Naloxone Administration Poster-Nyxoid (nasal spray) Price $2.00 Quick View Naloxone Administration Poster-Ampoules (single dose ampoules ) Out of stock Quick View Opioid Withdrawal Effects Poster Out of stock Quick View MDVP (Monkey Dust) A4 double sided flyer Out of stock PDF Download- also avail $0 Quick View Hep C Treatment Series- DURING Treatment- Adherence Out of stock Quick View NEW 6 in1 Hep C Treatment Poster Price $2.00 Quick View New Hepatitis C Treatment Posters (set of 6) Price $5.00 Quick View Recognise & Respond OD PosterSet & Fact Sheet Out of stock Quick View Naloxone Administration Poster-Mini Jet Regular Price $0.50 Sale Price $0.00 Quick View Pill Testing(drug checking) Explained Poster Out of stock Now Available Quick View Rack N Roll snorting substance resource (50 cards) Out of stock Quick View Hepatitis A Info Out of stock Quick View REST FitPack Stickers(20pack (5x each style) Out of stock Quick View Safer Using 2- A3 Poster Price $2.00 Quick View Safer Using -Poster 1 Price $2.00 Load More

Quick Pick Stigma Substance MSIR Support Order Overdose Hep C DIY Printable Resources and Resources To Order Over the past 30 + years, HRVic has created a large number of harm reduction resources - all informed by people who use drugs and made specifically for people who use drugs and for the people who work with us. ​ These resources focus on a wide range of issues. ​ Harm Reduction Victoria is now proud to be able to offer our peer developed and designed, health promotion resources to other organisations and supportive services throughout Australia and the world. ALL RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO ORDER FOR COST OF PRINTING (PLUS POSTAGE FEES AT TIME OF ORDERING) OR DOWNLOAD THE PDF AND PRINT YOUR OWN! ORDER PRE-PRINTED RESOURCES Sort by Quick View Terumo 1ml Price $0.00 NEW!! Quick View *UPDATED Substance Specific Brochure Set* Price $8.00 Quick View MSIR Community Support poster Out of stock NEW RESOURCE Quick View EC Ezy Card- Hep C Treatment "things Have Changed" (25 cards) Out of stock Quick View Naloxone Administration Poster-Prenoxad (multi dose syringe) Price $2.00 Quick View Naloxone Administration Poster-Nyxoid (nasal spray) Price $2.00 Quick View Naloxone Administration Poster-Ampoules (single dose ampoules ) Out of stock Quick View Opioid Withdrawal Effects Poster Out of stock Quick View MDVP (Monkey Dust) A4 double sided flyer Out of stock PDF Download- also avail $0 Quick View Hep C Treatment Series- DURING Treatment- Adherence Out of stock Quick View NEW 6 in1 Hep C Treatment Poster Price $2.00 Quick View New Hepatitis C Treatment Posters (set of 6) Price $5.00 Quick View Recognise & Respond OD PosterSet & Fact Sheet Out of stock Quick View Naloxone Administration Poster-Mini Jet Regular Price $0.50 Sale Price $0.00 Quick View Pill Testing(drug checking) Explained Poster Out of stock Now Available Quick View Rack N Roll snorting substance resource (50 cards) Out of stock Quick View Hepatitis A Info Out of stock Quick View REST FitPack Stickers(20pack (5x each style) Out of stock Load More Purchase Print Your Own .PDF Downloads Pill Testing Explained Poster Full Colour .PDF DOWNLOAD PDF Available Now NEW NALOXONE POSTERS NALOXONE -AMPOULES- INSTRUCTION FLYER (A4) Naloxone is a fast-acting medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. Side effects are extremely rare however, you may feel the temporary symptoms of opioid withdrawal. Some people may know naloxone by it’s commonly known brand name Narcan®. It is the same medicine that ambulances carry for opioid overdoses. Naloxone CAN NOT be used for benzo, GHB, methamphetamine, alcohol or for other substances besides opioids. It ONLY works on natural & synthetic OPIOIDS ie. heroin, morphine, methadone, codeine etc. NALOXONE -NYXOID (NASAL SPRAY)- INSTRUCTION FLYER (A4) NYXOID is a fast acting nasal spray delivery method of naloxone medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. The nasal spray is available by prescription to anyone and is a less intrusive way (no needles needed) to save a life from an opioid overdose. NALOXONE -PRENOXAD- INSTRUCTION FLYER (A4) PRENOXAD is a single barrel/multiple dose, pre loaded syringe of naloxone medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. Prenoxad is available by prescription to anyone. Download PDF by clicking on image The History of Drug User Activism in Australia Available Now HEP C TREATMENT 'EZY CARD' RESOURCE Hepatitis C treatment has changed significantly and quickly over the past 4 years. Keeping punters, clients and patients informed has never been more important. If we are to reach our elimination goals here in Australia, we all need to do our part to dispel the myths and clear up any misguiding rumours around the new treatments so that people realise that they CAN do treatment! Harm Reduction Victoria and the EC Project have collaborated -with much input from our peers- on this NEW pocket sized Hep C Treatment resource that answers client's questions and puts minds at ease. Doubling as an appointment card, Drs and clinicians can write appointment details on the resource itself to keep the ball rolling or start it off! New DOWNLOAD HEP C EZY CARD PDF RACK N' ROLL SNORTER'S RESOURCE The 'Rack N' Roll' business card sized resource about snorting substances is now available to our supporters, stakeholders and partners in harm reduction. The card is made of fine balance of a light but sturdy weight. Stiff enough that it can be used to "rack up" or cut finer and put into lines- substances that are insufflated or snorted and flexible enough to roll into a tube so it can be used to snort through. All this practicality PLUS the harm reducing info and tips to make the snorting experience less risky hence- more enjoyable. A winner with the punters. DOWNLOAD RnR PDF Hepatitis Vaccination Cards Front. Hepatitis A Resource for PWID and Rough Sleepers Resource from DHHS, Hepatitis Victoria, Thorne Harbour Health and Harm Reduction Victoria in response to the 2019-2020 hepatitis A outbreak in Melbourne. ​ This resource provides prevention information for Hep A, Hep, B and C along with COVID -19 and is designed to sit alongside the Mobile Immunisation, Health and Harm Reduction Service (MIHS), which is a partnership between The Salvation Army: Access Health, St Vincent’s Health and The Burnet Institute. It's purpose is to enhance access to Hep A, Hep B and influenza immunisation as well as health information, referral and harm reduction services for people experiencing homelessness and/or people who use drugs (especially people who inject drugs). MIHS can attend social programs, meals programs, emergency accommodation and housing sites, harm reduction services and health services to enhance access to immunisation and harm reduction. ​ Note: The MIHS will not attend services that already have their own immunisation services. If you have immunisation services and would like access to free Hep A vaccinations for the target cohort, please email jocelyn.chan@dhhs.vic.gov.au . Back. Free Shot Vax New SUPPORT MSIR-(Medically Supervised Injecting Room) A3/A4 poster in pdf format. CLICK ON THE RESOURCE YOU WANT TO DOWNLOAD MSIR Support HEP A PREVENTION RESOURCE Hepatitis A prevention has become an issue again within the injecting community in Victoria in the past 2019/2020 years. Keeping punters, clients and patients informed has never been more important. This is Harm Reduction Victoria's community poster. available to download by clicking on the image. ​ POWER OF WORDS- SUITE OF STIGMA RESOURCES The Power of Words is a new suite of evidence-based resources which address stigma as a public health and social issue. The suite comprises of five elements: · a background document · project summary · comprehensive practical guide · short application guide · condensed, at-a-glance desktop book with tips on how to use the language guidelines These resources have been produced by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, Association of Participating Service Users, Harm Reduction Victoria, Penington Institute and the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services. They are available at: adf.org.au/powerofwords Stigma CLICK ON THE RESOURCE YOU WANT TO DOWNLOAD SUBSTANCE SPECIFIC BROCHURES Our Substance Specific Brochures have recently been updated and added to. They come as an A4 landscape, tri-fold, double sided brochure which can fold to pocket sized (business card sized) when folded in 3 again. ​ If you require or would like to see one that we don't currently have available online, email us to see if we have it or to see if we'd be interested in making one- admin@hrvic.org.au . Popular Substance Specific Click on Cover image to see whole brochure and to download. 'MONKEY DUST'(MDPV) RESOURCE Basic information on the synthetic cathinone MDPV ('Monkey Dust' or 'Bath Salts') DOWNLOAD MONKEY DUST PDF Codeine Support Poster Popular Safer Using Tips Posters Safer Use 1 Safer Use 2 HEPATITIS C NEW TREATMENT RESOURCE Coming in a set of 6 A3 sized full-colour posters, The Hep C Treatment series outlines all of the major differences between the old interferon-based treatments and the new direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment available now. Eligibility Side Effects Tests Cure Rate Duration Medication All 6 In 1 Poster Adherence Hep C Treatment Recognise & Respond to Overdose Posters Recognise & Respond to Overdose Fact Sheet Overdose CLICK ON THE RESOURCE YOU WANT TO DOWNLOAD

Fri, 05 July | Brunswick HRVic Community Dinner - Grill n Chill Cookout- 05 July 2024 You are invited to our 2nd Community Dinner- the grill n chill community cook out on Friday July 05 at 6pm (ish) . RSVP is Over Sorry See Next Dinner Date Time & Location 05 July 2024, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm AEST Brunswick, 299-305 Victoria St, Brunswick VIC 3056, Australia About the event Our community feeds are a great way to meet other HRVic members and connect or re-connect with your/our communities, engage and communicate whats going on in each others areas across Naarm/Melbourne. We edu-micate, informate, motivate,' inspirate' and all u-can-ate! All while enjoying each others company and having a laugh. With great food from different local suppliers like food trucks , local restaurants or even bbq'd or prepared by the community , connecting over a feed has always been our community's way of discussing the good, bad and ugly in a relaxed, non judgemental, laid back way. This is our chance as your representative organisation to keep up to date with whats happening in our communities and your opportunity to tell HRVic what YOU WANT from us! Show More Share this event