--URGENT NEED FOR DONATIONS BY SEPT 25th--

Less than 1 week away is Same Same But Different Music & Arts Festival 2023, which takes place in Southern California from Thursday, September 28th to Sunday, October 1st. Harm Reduction Circle will be leading the harm reduction and ADA services.

We are urgently seeking support to ensure we have each of the essential supplies, & cruital pieces of equipment. Some items we need include earplugs, condoms, drug checking kits, & several pieces of equipment such as string lights.

You can support by making a one-time donation. For every donation of $10 or more, you'll receive one entry to win a General Admission 4-Day Pass to SSBD, ($450+ value)! The deadline to order/donate for SSBD is 4:00pm PT on Monday, September 25th. We'll be randomly selecting a winner on Tuesday, September 26th in the afternoon live on our Instagram.

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Mission Statement

Our mission is to reduce drug-related harms & promote the well-being of individuals who use drugs, particularly those who are underserved & marginalized. We strive to create a culture of harm reduction that prioritizes the health & well-being of all individuals, regardless of their background or experiences. We believe that harm reduction is a compassionate & pragmatic approach to drug use, & it is an essential component of public health.

Background Statement

Harm Reduction Circle was established in 2021 by our co-founders, Annastasia Rose Beal, Hannah Rose Halbers, Emma Webb, and Dylan Waller. Our collective commitment to harm reduction and a strong desire to make a positive impact on our community fueled our inception. It all began with a sobering realization of the devastating repercussions of Fentanyl-laced substances within the southern California nightlife scene. Identifying a significant gap in comprehensive harm reduction resources at music festivals, concerts, and similar events, we set out on a mission to address this urgent need.

Originally, we formed as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a clear goal in mind: to reduce overdose and other drug-related harm. We achieved this by offering peer education, challenging stigma, and equipping individuals with evidence-based strategies to empower them to prioritize their health and safety. Our initial focus centered on harm reduction within nightlife settings, but our journey took a transformative turn. Beginning in 2022, we broadened our mission to encompass underserved and marginalized populations, with a special emphasis on the homeless community in Orange County, California.

Impact Statement

1. Overdose Response Training: We've provided training to 18,936 individuals, empowering them to save lives in opioid overdose situations.
2. Narcan Distribution: Our Narcan distribution efforts have surged, with an estimated 47.90% increase in 2023, totaling 34,272 doses, enhancing our commitment to life-saving resources.
3. Meals on Onewheels™ Partnership: We've partnered with Meals on Onewheels™, uniting Onewheel enthusiasts to deliver essential items and meals to unhoused individuals, reaching high-risk areas and reducing stigma.
-Community Support: We've gained support from local businesses and restaurants, strengthening community alliances.
-Volunteer Engagement: With 38 trained riders, we've expanded our reach, delivering meals and harm reduction supplies to those experiencing homelessness.
-Meals Served: Since our launch, we've proudly served 1,288 meals, highlighting our holistic harm reduction approach.