The HIV and Related Programs (HARP) team works consistently to support diverse populations among our community, for example the LGBTIQ+ community.
The NSW LGBTIQ+ Health Strategy 2022-27 outlines the importance of access and equity for health care for this community that meets their needs, finding and removing barriers to ensure care is delivered in safe, comfortable and culturally appropriate environments.
What better way to do this than at Tropical Fruits?
The Tropical Fruits New Year’s Eve Party may be known for its over-the-top sparkles, glamour and glitz, but all the fun can come with some unintended consequences.
To support safe celebrations, the HARP Harm Reduction team was onsite at the Lismore Showground throughout the four-day party.
Last September, they were also at Lismore’s Tropical Fruits Fair Day.
The key service provided at these events was take-home naloxone kits. The kits are life-saving measures that can temporarily reverse opioid overdoses, including from nitazenes.
Nitazenes have been found in vapes and counterfeit tablets such as benzodiazepines and in drugs thought to be heroin or MDMA (ecstasy).
The Harm Reduction team also provided information, education, support and equipment to promote safer drug use and safer sex, to reduce blood borne viruses and sexually transmitted infections.
Pictured
Supporting the community at Tropical Fruits Fair Day
From left: Deb Woodbridge (Harm Reduction Officer), Ru Bella (local Northern Rivers drag queen performer) and Mary Burns (Harm Reduction Officer)