Harm Reduction
Collective

Harm reduction services are available through the Wilkes Harm Reduction Collective, a program of Recovery Revolution, located at 232 Jefferson St. in North Wilkesboro, NC. We are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and provide syringe services, naloxone, drug checking supplies, basic wound care and supplies, rapid HIV and Hepatitis C testing, and connections to additional health, treatment, recovery, and community resources.

Harm reduction is a practical, person-centered approach that helps people who use drugs reduce health risks and stay as safe and healthy as possible, without requiring them to stop using drugs or enter treatment to receive support. We provide tools such as naloxone, sterile supplies, drug checking resources, education, testing, and connections to care. Our goal is to reduce overdose and other health risks, prevent the spread of infections, build trust, and ensure people remain connected to support and opportunities for treatment and recovery when they want them.

Naloxone is a lifesaving medication that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose, including an overdose involving fentanyl. It can quickly restore breathing when opioids have caused breathing to slow or stop. Naloxone will not harm someone if opioids are not involved, so if you suspect an overdose, administer naloxone if it is available and call 911. More than one dose may sometimes be needed, particularly with potent opioids such as fentanyl.

Free naloxone is available after hours from the 24/7 access bin at the Wilkes Harm Reduction Collective, located at 232 Jefferson St. in North Wilkesboro. Naloxone is also available 24/7 from the vending box at Atrium Health Wilkes Emergency Department, 170 West D St. The vending box is located outside the Emergency Department waiting room before security.

Yes. Recovery Revolution provides harm reduction services at no cost as part of its commitment to grassroots support for anyone affected by substance use. This includes rapid HIV and Hepatitis C testing, and our staff can answer questions about specific supplies. No one should have to go without help because of money.

Fentanyl test strips work by detecting fentanyl in a small drug sample dissolved in water, with results showing in a few minutes. We also offer xylazine test strips and can demonstrate how to use both correctly. For more detailed results, we can send samples to the UNC Street Drug Analysis Team.

Rapid HIV and Hepatitis C test results take about 20 minutes. Testing is free and private, and our staff will walk you through what your results mean. If a result is positive, we'll help you connect with a medical provider for confirmation testing and treatment.

No. Harm reduction does not encourage drug use. Research reviewed by the CDC shows syringe service programs do not increase drug use or crime, and people who use them are more likely to enter treatment. In our experience, building trust often makes it easier for someone to accept help when they're ready.

If you find a used syringe, don't touch it with your bare hands. Keep children and pets away, note where it is, and contact us so our team can pick it up and dispose of it safely. Our pickup service helps keep parks, sidewalks, and neighborhoods cleaner and safer for everyone.

Anyone can use harm reduction services, including people who use drugs, people in recovery, and family members or friends who want to help. Recovery Revolution does not require sobriety or a commitment to treatment. Businesses, churches, and community groups can also request naloxone and our overdose prevention training for their members.