friendsfcc

Los Angeles non profit working to reduce HIV transmission and promote harm reduction

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@IPS_LAMedia @BeingAliveLA Other places in LA County include: Being Alive, Homeless Healthcare, Trans Wellness Center, Bienestar, CHPLA, The People Concern, AADAP, LA LGBT Center

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@IPS_LAMedia @BeingAliveLA So many places! Friends Community Center is an excellent resource for LGBTQ+ individuals who are seeking harm reduction resources and materials. https://t.co/67d6cCqvKh #harmreduction

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Q9 Where are harm reduction services in Los Angeles County? #harmreduction @BeingAliveLA @friends_fcc

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@IPS_LAMedia @BeingAliveLA A8. Bring condoms or get on PrEP, don't share equipment, start small, know your dose, and don't be afraid to discuss limitations and boundaries before partying and conduct check-ins during sessions #harmreduction

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Q8 What are some strategies to stay safe during chemsex? #harmreduction @friends_fcc @BeingAliveLA

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@IPS_LAMedia @BeingAliveLA A7. Safer smoking supplies can help in a variety of ways - cutting down on infection and providing substance users with resources they need to seek care when they are ready #harmreduction

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Q7. What is the point of handing out smoking supplies and pipes to people who use drugs? #harmreduction @BeingAliveLA @friends_fcc

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@sarajbee1970 @IPS_LAMedia @BeingAliveLA Agreed! Stigma and discrimination throughout history have caused severe damage and prevent individuals who use substances from seeking care. When a person is in an environment where they feel empowered to seek care, they will do so.

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Q6 Don't people just need more resources and information and not more drug supplies? #harmreduction @BeingAliveLA @friends_fcc

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@sarajbee1970 @IPS_LAMedia @BeingAliveLA @FccOman (2/2) hydration, rest, and monitoring. If symptoms worsen, then medical attention may be necessary. #harmreduction

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@sarajbee1970 @IPS_LAMedia @BeingAliveLA @FccOman When responding to overamping, it's important to determine if medical attention is necessary or support and rest. Severe symptoms of overamping such as stroke and cardiac events require medical attention, but some lesser symptoms such as chills and nausea will require (1/2)

[PublicStrategies_LAMedia @IPS_LAMedia]

Q5 What does overamping mean? #harmreduction @BeingAliveLA @FccOman

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@IPS_LAMedia @BeingAliveLA A4. SSPs don't increase drug paraphernalia in their neighborhoods and this line of thinking detracts from the overall benefit SSPs provide to substance users. #harmreduction

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Q4. Don't Needle exchange programs increase the number of used needles and drug paraphernalia in neighborhoods?#harmreduction @BeingAliveLA @friends_fcc

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@IPS_LAMedia @BeingAliveLA A3. Fentanyl and other opiate analogues have been found in a wide variety of substances ranging from methamphetamine to cocaine to ecstasy and many other drugs. Even if you're not using opiates, it is important to carry Narcan and test strips to protect yourself #harmreduction

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Q3. Do you need Narcan and/or fentanyl test strips if you’re not using opiates? #harmreduction @friends_fcc @BeingAliveLA

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@IPS_LAMedia @BeingAliveLA A2. This is a common misconception! Needle Exchange programs have never been correlated with increased substance use and in fact work to prevent harmful outcomes that can result from the stigma many substance users face by not learning how to protect themselves #harmreduction

[PublicStrategies_LAMedia @IPS_LAMedia]

Q2. Do Needle Exchange programs encourage drug use? #harmreduction @BeingAliveLA @friends_fcc

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@IPS_LAMedia @BeingAliveLA A1. A set of interventions designed to reduce the harm that can come from drug use, sexual activity, or a range of other things that can cause harmful outcomes #harmreduction