COVID-19 Programming Updates

Dear Community,

We cannot express how grateful we are for your patience and support during this incredibly challenging time. As Americans mourn the impacts of simultaneous pandemics, one thing is clear: we have a lot of work to do.

These past several months have been emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually taxing for each of you and our team, partners, stakeholders, and the broader social services community. Over the past weeks, our team took the time to listen and learn from Black and Brown friends, colleagues, leaders, and groups. We brainstormed ideas around promoting inclusivity and diversity internally and externally and will continue to do so with our Board of Directors and staff leadership in an upcoming strategic planning session.

We know that with privilege comes power, and with power comes responsibility. We’re motivated, focused, and ready to continue our quest alongside many of you to end the injustices of racial groups and marginalized communities by reforming multi-layered systems that perpetuate harms.

Part of our reflective process included identifying ways we can re-operationalize our programs once again for the latest phase of COVID-19, keeping safety and access to care at the center of our decision making. While specific programs will remain virtual, others are slowly shifting back to in-person connections with safety precautions in place, and a team trained to engage appropriately. Here is what you can expect:

• Harm Reduction Outreach (including NARCAN/naloxone)
  • The Stigma Crusher is hitting the streets again! Visit this page for an updated schedule. We’ll be at the same place and same time every week. Look for the big purple truck! We will ask participants to line up six feet apart, and masks will be distributed to those without one. Supplies offered include toiletries, bottled water, non-perishable food items, masks, hand sanitizer, bags, safe sex supplies, and safe using supplies. We’ll collect and safely dispose of any used equipment.
  • Professional and group harm reduction/NARCAN training will continue virtually. Supplies can be ordered and delivered to you directly.
  • Harm reduction education and supply distribution for individuals and families can take place in-person at our office in Arlington Heights or virtually via GoToMeeting. If in-person, participants will have their temperature taken at the door and must wear a mask. If you do not have a mask, we can provide one for you. If your temperature if over 100 degrees, we will need to reschedule or switch to a virtual format.
  • Supply delivery is available to anyone in northern Illinois. We can mail out supplies to anyone outside of that area across the U.S. We will do our best to connect you with your local harm reduction outreach agency.