Harm Reduction Circle

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.

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.

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 30+ 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.

In Orange County, a region characterized by its diverse population of over three million people, a disconcerting truth lurks beneath its affluence. Despite the region's prosperity, significant health disparities and vulnerabilities persist, creating a stark divide among its residents.

One pressing concern is the alarming prevalence of substance use disorders, particularly the injection of drugs, within our diverse community. Shocking statistics reveal that a troubling number of Orange County residents engage in drug injection, placing them at a significantly heightened risk of blood-borne diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C. Tragically, the specter of overdose deaths casts a long shadow over this population, with Orange County experiencing staggeringly high rates.

These health disparities extend beyond individual suffering, burdening our healthcare system with the costs of treating HIV, hepatitis C, and other blood-borne diseases. Responding to overdose deaths strains both public health resources and law enforcement efforts, creating a pressing need for change.

The imperative for change carries a substantial economic weight as well. Drawing inspiration from successful harm reduction programs, including syringe exchange initiatives in other regions, we aim to curtail the spread of disease, save lives, reduce healthcare costs, and enhance the overall well-being of our community. Our forthcoming Harm Reduction Initiative for Orange County acknowledges the unique context of our region, tailor-fitting solutions to effect profound change, rally community support, and ultimately enhance the lives of all residents.

Nightlife Harm Reduction Services: Western United States, with a majority of our focus on Southern California
Underserved & Marginalized Populations: Orange County, California, with plans to significantly increase the scope of our services in 2024

In Orange County, a region often overshadowed by its affluence, significant health disparities persist. The prevalence of substance use disorders, particularly drug injection, presents a pressing concern. This reality places a substantial portion of our diverse community at heightened risk, not only for addiction but also for blood-borne diseases like HIV and hepatitis C. The shadow of overdose deaths looms large, casting a long and tragic shadow over countless lives.

What sets Harm Reduction Circle apart is our commitment to addressing these challenges head-on, acknowledging the unique context of Orange County. Our approach is holistic and innovative. We offer overdose response training to empower community members with life-saving knowledge. Our Narcan distribution efforts have seen remarkable growth, with a 47.90% increase projected for 2023. But perhaps most notably, our partnership with Meals on Onewheels™ exemplifies our dedication to reaching high-risk individuals and reducing stigma through community involvement. This synergy is not just about providing hot meals and essential supplies; it's about connecting with those who need us most.

Our work is not just a moral and ethical imperative; it carries a substantial economic weight. The financial burden of treating HIV, hepatitis C, and other diseases exacts a toll on our healthcare system, while the costs associated with responding to overdose deaths strain both public health resources and law enforcement efforts.

In our unwavering dedication to creating a safer, more compassionate world free from drug-related harm, we find our purpose. Harm Reduction Circle is more than an organization; it's a force for positive change. Our achievements underscore our commitment to making a tangible impact on our community, and together, we look forward to a future where our efforts continue to save lives, reduce disparities, and uplift those in need.

Thank you for standing with us on this transformative journey.

As a grassroots organization, Harm Reduction Circle thrives on passion, commitment, & unwavering dedication to our mission. We're driven by a deep desire to make a transformative impact on our community, & our ambitions are nothing short of monumental. We thrive on exploring out-of-the-box & unconventional ideas that inevitably result in impactful collaborations & solutions that nobody thought was possible.

While we can't reveal all the details just yet (the ink is still drying), we're on the verge of launching an initiative in Orange County, California, that will leave a profound & positive mark on a significant portion of our community.

The biggest challenge we face, however, is funding. Our aspirations are grand, & our vision is bold, but accessing funding & resources as a smaller grassroots organizations like ours has proven to be an ongoing struggle. We understand that big ambitions comes a requires financial support from a variety of sources.

We firmly believe that our upcoming initiative has the potential to save Orange County & it's cities hundreds of thousands of dollars annually, while simultaneously becoming a beacon of hope & innovation. It's an initiative that will have everyone talking, & we're confident it will be for all the right reasons.

We're excited about what the future holds, but we also acknowledge that to make these ambitious plans a reality, we'll need the support of our community & partners who share our vision.

I encourage you to reflect on your own level of ambition, & ask yourself: How bold is your ambition?