ACCESS

AHEC West’s Harm Reduction initiative is a vital program dedicated to enhancing the health and safety of individuals in our community. ACCESS stands for “Advancing Cross-Cutting Engagement and Service Strategies for People Who Use Drugs.” Through the support of the ACCESS grant, funded by the State of Maryland Behavioral Health Center for Harm Reduction Services (CHRS), we provide a comprehensive range of harm reduction services designed to address the needs of those impacted by substance use and high-risk behaviors.

Our approach prioritizes compassion, community engagement, and empowering individuals to make informed choices about their health. We thoroughly assess the specific needs and challenges. We collaborate with local health departments, non-profit organizations, and law enforcement agencies to create a network of support and resources. We ensure that services are culturally sensitive and tailored to the diverse populations within Allegany and Garrett Counties.

We offer a syringe service exchange program at The Possibility Shop Monday-Friday that allows individuals to safely exchange used syringes for new sterile ones, reducing the risk of infections and promoting safer injection practices. We also have secondary exchange participants.

We participate in the Rapid Analysis Data (RAD) program through the Maryland Community Health Resource Services and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. This program allows individuals to return used syringes for testing, helping to identify harmful substances in drugs and enabling informed choices about drug use. We share the testing results with the community to raise awareness of potential risks.

At AHEC West, we organize syringe service program (SSP) walks in high-need areas to distribute syringes, fentanyl and xylazine test strips, safer sex supplies, and educational materials. This outreach builds relationships and encourages individuals to access harm-reduction resources and treatment. We assist with connecting individuals to necessary treatment and mental health services, ensuring ongoing support.

Our program also provides no-cost safer sex kits and wound care kits to promote health and reduce the risks of STIs and injection-related injuries. We distribute Naloxone (Narcan) for opioid overdose prevention and offer training on its use. Free and confidential testing services are available at the Possibility Shop on 138 Baltimore Street every Monday.

Through these initiatives, we aim to educate the community on testing and treatment for HIV, HCV, and STIs, while promoting harm reduction and safer practices. Our goal is to enhance community health by addressing specific needs and facilitating access to essential services.

Peer-to-Peer

Our Peer-to-Peer program services individuals in detention centers and pretrial release programs in Allegany and Garrett counties. It is funded through Allegany and Garrett Local Behavioral Health Authorities grants. Our work in this area entails:

• Pretrial Release/Alternative Sentencing: AHEC West peers engage with individuals currently involved in the court system, whether in the community on bail or bond. They must report at a designated time. If they face any substance use or mental health challenges, we encourage them to seek help and make referrals for mental health services, medically assisted treatment, or inpatient addiction treatment. We are available at the Allegany County Pretrial Office on Mondays from 1:00-4:00 PM and Tuesday through Thursday from 8:30 AM-4:00 PM. Peers also check in with Garrett County Pretrial twice a week. Additionally, we will accompany individuals to court as needed.
• Allegany County Detention Center Re-entry Program: Peers meet with incarcerated individuals 4-5 days a week to build rapport and provide trusted recovery contacts after release, helping to prevent reoffending. We facilitate bi-weekly men’s groups and a weekly women’s group to discuss alternative living methods and coping strategies that avoid drugs and alcohol. After release, we assist with housing, cell phones, social services, and treatment referrals for at least a year and accompany individuals to court.
• Garrett County Detention Center Re-entry Program: We meet with incarcerated individuals to assist with re-entry needs, including referrals for treatment and mental health services. After release, we support them for at least a year, monitoring their recovery. We schedule visits twice a week and plan to establish regular group meetings, as well as accompany individuals to court.
• Drug Abatement and Response Team (DART): We partner with local law enforcement to address overdose cases by visiting individuals listed in police logs. Currently, we collaborate with Cumberland City Police, Maryland State Police, Allegany County Sheriff’s Department, and Frostburg City Police, and are exploring expansion into Garrett County. During these visits, we provide treatment options, referrals, and at least Naloxone.
• 24/7 Peer Recovery Hotline: We operate a 24/7 hotline for individuals facing mental health or addiction challenges. Through this hotline, we can arrange face-to-face meetings and provide treatment referrals.
• Local Outreach: We set up tables at local events to promote harm reduction and provide access to local resources that can help meet individuals’ needs. Additionally, we consistently connect with other organizations to discover new services and support options for our clients. We are also partnering with schools in Allegany and Garrett Counties to reduce substance and alcohol use among youth through education and outreach.