Advocacy & Activism with The Springfield Harm Reduction Project

Rachel King-Johnson is a harm reductionist, counselor, and advocate for the underserved. She serves as the Director of Clinical Outreach of the Phoenix Center, where she coordinates the Springfield Harm Reduction Initiative (SHaRI). The SHaRI Project is the Center’s syringe access program, which supplies clean syringes and collects used ones to reduce the transmission of HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C. VanKe’via and Rachel dive into a conversation about the needs of those who identify as LGBTQ+, have HIV/or AIDS, have substance use concerns, or have a history of incarceration. Rachel discussed the intersection of these identities and how they may impact an individual on their reentry journey. Lastly, she highlights how the initiative aims to support individuals throughout their transition from incarceration.A description of the Phoenix Center is listed below:The Phoenix Center is Central Illinois’ LGBTQ Community Health Center that provides housing for LGBTQ unhoused folx, as well as housing for people living with HIV. In addition, they provide public health interventions such as harm reduction services and legal/medical advocacy.Interested in learning more about Phoenix Center, please review their social media and professional pages:Phoenix CenterIG: phoenix2UFB: Springfield Harm Reduction Initiative- Phoenix2UNeed more information on LGBTQ+ Community Health Care Resources:Out2EnrollHealth Professionals Advancing LGBTQ+ EqualityNeed more information about Harm Reduction:Principles of Harm ReductionSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration - Harm ReductionFollow us on Instagram @morelifethereentrypodcastWant to send us topic ideas or reach out to us? Complete the form: Topic Ideas FormAre you a formerly incarcerated or system-impacted person and want to share your story? Complete this form: Resilient Reentrants FormPlease listen, rate, and review. Thank you, More Life!Host: VanKe’via Garner, M. S.https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/good-feelingsLicense code: WWUKNN1ALHEZYUNF