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More About AHRC
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A History of the Atlanta Harm Reduction CenterIn 1994, AHRC grew out of concern about the high rate of HIV transmission among Atlanta's injection drug users (IDUs). AHRC was formally incorporated in 1995 with the goal of educating IDUs and non-users, community leaders, public health, safety, and elected officials, and other organizations about the effectiveness of harm reduction strategies to reduce the transmission of HIV/AIDS. One year later, ARHC secured permanent office space and obtained 501(c)(3) status from the federal government. To our knowledge, AHRC is the only organization in Atlanta that focuses specifically on promoting harm reduction strategies not only to affected populations, but also to the broad community and its leaders. Building trusting relationships between AHRC outreach workers and active drug users is the foundation upon which behavior change is built. In the community where we deliver interventions, we have provided HIV prevention tools and information every single Saturday morning since May of 1997 - rain, shine, and holidays. As of 2002, AHRC has expanded its outreach efforts to Wednesday's, Friday's, Saturday's and Sunday's. AHRC's HIV prevention outreach is based on Harm Reduction approaches
to HIV prevention. Harm Reduction strategies were developed as a public
health response to the prevention needs of active drug users. Within
a harm reduction perspective the user is treated with dignity as a normal
human being. All positive behavioral change is regarded as meaningful
progress and behavioral change is seen as a process with distinct stages
based on the Transtheoretical Model of stages of behavioral change developed
by Procahska and DiClemente in 1986. The outreach worker's role is that
of supportive facilitator, helping the participant develop the motivation
and skills to change high-risk behaviors. The participant (drug user)
sets the pace and goals of behavior changes. Our approach is positive
and helpful and our understanding of behavior change places responsibility
and power in the hands of the drug user. The service delivery environment
ideally fosters self-esteem, self-advocacy, and community among active
users. Our consistent delivery of services combined with our non-judgmental/non-manipulative
approach has gained us the trust and respect of the community. |
Atlanta Harm Reduction Coalition, Inc. | 472 Paines Avenue | NW Atlanta, Georgia 30318 |