2025 Progress

The Harm Reduction program is expanding rapidly due to a significant increase in usage. In January alone, the program served over 1,000 individuals, whereas previously, it would take a full quarter to reach that same volume of clients. Additionally, the program received a grant from the Dogwood Health Trust, enabling SSP to partner with the local organization UNETE. This collaboration has allowed for the implementation of Spanish outreach activities, including Narcan Overdose Drop-In training sessions conducted in Spanish, as well as connecting Spanish-speaking clients to additional services.

The Buncombe County Health Department offers syringe exchange, Naloxone and overdose reversal kits and education, harm reduction supplies, linkage to community resources and medical care, testing and treatment for STIs, testing and referrals for Hepatitis A, B, and C and HIV, vaccinations including Hepatitis A and B, and family planning services for all people.

Buncombe County Syringe Exchange
Monday through Friday, 12 pm to 4 pm
40 Coxe Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801

Buncombe County Health Services
Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm
40 Coxe Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801

Buncombe County HHS developed MOAs with partner harm reduction agencies (WNC AIDS Project/WNCAP, Sunrise Community for Recovery & Wellness, Holler Harm Reduction, and Steady Collective) to utlize Opioid Settlement funding to increase access to Naloxone supplies for enhanced community-wide distribution. Through a collective impact framework all of these agencies work together to assess community needs and emerging issues, collaborate to build and distribute necessary supplies, make structured plans for outreach, and implement community engagement initiatives. All of the MOAs are currently in place and widespread Naloxone distribution is set to begin in Spring 2023. 

As 2023 data reflects, commuity engagement with harm reduction services continues to grow. New initiatives include: NaloxBox (emergency overdose reversal kits) being installed throughout County-owned buildings and within community organizations and local community centers; monthly drop-in community trainings on harm reduction and overdose reversal; expanding installation of needle disposal kiosks in the community and in local parks.