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Harm reduction

EMERGENCIES: The Health Department DOES NOT provide Narcan for emergency situations. Please call 9-1-1 as soon as possible for situations that require immediate attention, such as a suspected overdose.

The Health Department offers different harm reduction community-based prevention programs that provide a range of services, including linkage to substance use disorder treatment; access to and disposal of sterile syringes and injection equipment; and vaccination, testing, and linkage to care, social services and treatment for infectious diseases. Providing testing, counseling, and sterile injection supplies also helps prevent outbreaks of other diseases.

The following programs are offered at JCHD: Mobile Harm Reduction Unit, Syringe Exchange Program (SEP), and the Jessamine Transitions Program.

Syringe Exchange Program

The Health Department Syringe Exchange Program (SEP) is a public health harm reduction practice aimed at reducing spread of infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis A and hepatitis C.

Location and Hours of Operation

SEP operates in the Health Department Clinic during regular clinic hours (typically Mon 8 am-6:30 pm, Tues-Thurs 8 am-4 pm, Fri 8 am-1 pm)

Comprehensive list of services provided:

  • Safe disposal of used needles
  • Fentanyl test strips and xylazine test strips
  • Free confidential testing for HIV and hepatitis C (optional)
  • TB Skin Assessment
  • Vaccinations (hepatitis A)
  • Education about the harms associated with drug use and how to minimize them
  • Counseling and referral to treatment
  • Narcan Education & Distribution

Mobile Harm Reduction Unit

The Mobile Harm Reduction Unit is an extension of the in-house SEP. It is a mobile public health harm reduction practice aimed at reducing spread of infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis A and hepatitis C.

Location and Hours of Operation

Mobile Harm Reduction Unit’s location and hours of operation vary. The mobile unit travels to various locations in Jessamine County, depending on greatest need.

 

Comprehensive list of services provided:

    • Safe disposal of used needles
    • Fentanyl test strips and xylazine test strips
    • Free confidential testing for HIV and hepatitis C (optional)
    • Education about the harms associated with drug use and how to minimize them
    • Counseling and referral to treatment
    • Narcan Education & Distribution

Jessamine Transitions Program

The Jessamine Transitions Program transitions our formerly incarcerated population back into the community be connecting them to vital resources, including peer support and case management services, which helps lead these individuals to a life of independence and hope. Our program staff also assist with the SEP and mobile harm reduction unit programs to help any individual with a substance use disorder who is seeking to transform their life.

 

Services Offered:

  • SMART Recovery (Self-Management And Recovery Training): Find local class schedule and locations.
  • Peer Support services provided by a certified peer support specialist
  • Case Management services provided by a licensed social worker
  • One to One Assessments
  • Limited Financial Incentives
  • Accountability
  • Referrals for: IOP Programs, MAT Programs, Recovery Centers, or Sober Living Programs
  • Assistance with and/or obtaining:
      • Basic Needs (food, clothing, shelter)
      • Identification
      • Insurance
      • Transportation
      • Employment
      • DCBS Services
      • Medical Care & Appointments
      • Mental Health Services

If you or anyone you know is interested in this program, please stop by the Health Department or call our program staff at 859-885-4149 ext. 1006 or 1016.

Note: The Transitions Program is supported through grant funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Overdose Data to Action initiative which is implemented in partnership with the Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center (a bona fide agent for the Kentucky Department for Public Health).

Local Substance Use Disorder Resources

Naloxone

Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids—including heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid medications—when given in time. Naloxone is easy to use and small to carry. There are two forms of naloxone that anyone can use without medical training or authorization: prefilled nasal spray and injectable.

The Jessamine County Health Department offers free naloxone to community members through the Syringe Exchange Program. Nalox-boxes are stocked with boxes of Narcan and located throughout the county.

Nalox-box Locations

    • BP (4000 Catnip Hill Rd, Nicholasville)
    • Circle-K (633 Edgewood Dr, Nicholasville)
    • Jessamine County Detention Center (229 E Maple St, Nicholasville)
    • Nicholasville Police Department (717 N Main St, Nicholasville)
    • Shepherds House (104 N Main St, Nicholasville)
    • Spero Health (250 Edgewood Dr, Nicholasville)
    • Wilmore City Hall (210 S Lexington Ave, Wilmore)

Find a list of naloxone locations in Jessamine County.

Are you or someone you know in need of local substance abuse addiction resources? Visit Get Help LexDon’t Let Them DieFind Help Now KY, or Grasp Help websites for available resources. Call Kentucky HELP Call Center – 1-833-8KY-HELP (1-833-859-4357) to speak with a specialist about treatment options and available resources.

Download and print the Harm Reduction Community Resource Guide for a complete list of local substance abuse resources in or around our county. Learn how to safely dispose of sharps, by visiting the Sharps Disposal Fact Sheet.