Black Hawk County Public Health

Harm Reduction

What is Harm Reduction?

Harm reduction is a way to keep people safe. It involves meeting people where they are, on their own terms. Help is offered in a way that works best for each person. It can also open pathways for connection and support.
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Lockbox Program

Locations of Lockboxes

Elevate: 405 E 5th Street, Waterloo, IA 50703 (located in the alley)

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Pathways: 3362 University Ave, Waterloo, IA 50701 (located on the north side of the building)

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Lockbox code: 816187
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What is in the Lockbox?

What is in a Harm Reduction Kit?

• Tourniquet
• Cotton balls
• Rubber gloves
• Antiseptic wipes
• Antibiotic ointment
• Bandages
• Gauze pads
• MyIACondoms.org business card
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Purpose of Harm Reduction Kits

If you are using needles, we encourage you throw away your used needles or clean them, in order to reduce your risk of infection. The harm reduction kit contains bottles of water and bleach that you can use to clean your syringes and needles.

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Sharps Disposal

Used needles should be thrown away. Put your used needles in the large black sharps disposal trash bin and/or take a small black single-use sharps disposal container to use.

Naloxone

Naloxone, often referred to by its brand name Narcan, can reverse an overdose and save a life. Find FREE Naloxone (Narcan) through Pathways and Elevate during business hours.
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Community Partners

Thank you to the community partners providing space and supplies for the harm reduction lockbox program. This program is supported by federal funding passed through the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services to Black Hawk County Public Health. These community partnerships and resources make it possible to help prevent the spread of HIV and viral Hepatitis, promoting health and well-being in the community.
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‍Black Hawk County Public Health
‍Black Hawk County Public Health Center offers free confidential STI/HIV testing, treatment, and education! This includes the dual Syphilis and HIV rapid tests. Some may qualify for viral Hepatitis testing, referral to treatment, or immunization services. Call (319) 291-2413 for an appointment.
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Elevate CCBHC
‍Elevate CCBHC's focus is to meet individuals where they are at in their recovery. They are dedicated to providing person-centered recovery and behavioral health services so those who are ready to transform their challenges into comebacks. 

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Pathways Behavioral Services
‍​​Pathways offers substance use, mental health, and problem gambling treatment in six counties, including Black Hawk. Call (319) 235-6571 for an appointment or more information. ​​

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Notice

This site contains HIV prevention messages that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Since HIV infection is spread primarily through sexual practices or by sharing needles, prevention messages and programs may address these topics. If you are not seeking such information or may be offended by such materials, please exit this website.