Harm-reduction nonprofit Vermont CARES is taking over Burlington’s needle-exchange effort in July following the closure of the Howard Center Safe Recovery program.
Vermont CARES’ “syringe services program” will be available at its building at 139 Bank Street in downtown Burlington as of July 1. It will be the primary provider of new syringes and overdose-prevention resources in the city. The program will include “a renewed focus on safe syringe disposal, including increased collection opportunities for clients and support for community-based collection efforts,” Melissa Farr, its executive director, said in a press release.
“With our long history of serving communities across Vermont, we look forward to working collaboratively with local partners and businesses to provide support that meets people where they are and promotes the overall health and wellness of the Burlington community,” Farr said.
Vermont CARES’ needle exchange is being supported with $512,500 in funding from the state Department of Health. Farr said the nonprofit’s two decades of harm-reduction services positioned it to take over the program.
Howard Center informed lawmakers in January that its Safe Recovery program would conclude in June, citing “limited resources.” The center had faced complaints from neighbors about drawing people with substance-use disorder to its Clarke Street office for years.
The Vermont CARES office where the new needle exchange will be operated is located only a few blocks from the former site of the Howard Center Safe Recovery program, in an area of downtown that is rapidly being transformed by new hotel and residential construction. Farr said her nonprofit will try to proactively resolve any issues with neighbors.
“Our commitment is always to be a strong community partner while also providing lifesaving supplies and services,” Farr said.
Vermont CARES will “offer opportunities for meaningful community engagement” that will help neighbors learn what the nonprofit does and its impact.
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