EUGENE, OREGON – White Bird Clinic announces the grand opening of the agency’s new Harm Reduction & Treatment Center, which provides rapid and low-barrier access to comprehensive, holistic treatment and harm reduction services to community members with active substance use disorders.
Funded through Oregon Measure 110, the Harm Reduction & Treatment Center provides resources including peer support, counseling services, case management, blankets, tents and tarps for unhoused, fentanyl and xylazine test strips and assessments. White Bird Clinic’s Harm Reduction & Treatment Center is also part of the Behavioral Health Resource Networks. These services are provided at no cost.
The new Center is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Harm reduction supplies and gear distribution is available Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
“Harm reduction saves lives,” says Larry Weinerman, one of the Center’s project managers. “It’s the first step in treatment – we’re keeping people alive until they’re ready for more help.”
“Research shows that harm reduction programs are an effective gateway to substance use treatment programs,” added Jeremy Gates, White Bird Clinic executive director. “Our new center fills an important service gap in Eugene-Springfield and ensures that available funds support the need in our community.”
White Bird Clinic will host an open house to celebrate the agency’s new Harm Reduction & Treatment Center.
Address: 647 Polk St., Eugene.
Time & Date: June 17, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Tours of the new facility, as well as refreshments and information.
Interviews and photo/video opportunities available for media.