Our compassionate and knowledgeable staff at Vermont CARES are critical to the success of our services and the wellbeing of our clients. Each month, we’re highlighting a member of our staff so you can get to know them and our organization a little better!
Meet Jason, one of our HIV Case Managers and newest staff member.
“I moved to Vermont from Southern Connecticut nearly two years ago to begin my journey in recovery. I walked through the door at Vermont CARES as a client when I first arrived. I was matched up with a doctor and clinician who helped me enroll in VMAP/DCAP which allowed me to get the scripts filled for my medications and have access to medical care.
Later, I received a message from my case manager letting me know that there was an opening at Vermont CARES for an HIV Case Manager. I went through the interview process and eventually landed the position a few months later. I now get to spend my days helping others navigate the road ahead by connecting them with the services and resources they need to achieve their own personal goals for the future. To say that Vermont CARES helped me to change my own life and begin to live one I could be proud of would be a fair statement.”
Thank you, Jason, for sharing your story and talents with us!
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Overdose Prevention Centers can serve as a backdrop for safer substance use, a bridge to recovery from substance use disorder, and a beacon of hope for those who are struggling. Vermont’s system of substance use services should include OPCs as a tool to connect with and support people who use substances. We must move to include OPCs in Vermont’s response to overdose fatalities.
You can show your support by adding your name to this letter: ow.ly/F8xU50RaFJS
Source: Oudshoorn, A., et al. (2021). A critical narrative inquiry to understand the impacts of an overdose prevention site on the lives of Site Users. Harm Reduction Journal, 18(1). doi.org/10.1186/s12954-020-00458-0
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As is often said in the #recovery community, the opposite of Addiction is Connection. People who use drugs and people with substance use disorders face profound stigma in our society which can lead to isolation and marginalization. #harmreduction, in the form of syringe service programs (SSPs) and overdose prevention centers (OPCs), aims to provide spaces where people are treated with the dignity they deserve.
Substance use and addiction are not moral failings. Together, we can end the stigma that surrounds substance use and prevents connection.
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*WE'RE HIRING TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS!*
If you are interested in working with us please send your resume to our Director of Operations and Services, Melissa Farr (melissa@vtcares.org), and let us know about the role(s) that may fit you best. Visit our website at www.vtcares.org for more information.
We believe that diversity in experiences, perspectives, knowledge, and ideas fuels creativity, broadens knowledge, and helps drive success. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and strive to treat all employees with respect, dignity and sensitivity. We welcome all qualified applicants regardless of criminal justice history, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression or identity, age, disability, veteran status, marital status or any other legally protected class. We encourage those with lived experience with drug use to apply.
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📲 Download the Vermont CARES app and request FREE Narcan today!
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As advocates work to open Overdose Prevention Centers (OPCs) in Vermont, we think it is critical to listen to and work with people who use drugs as these decisions are made. Often, subject matter experts bring valuable information and data to the table. At the same time, it is important to remember that subject matter experts can and should INCLUDE people who use drugs.
As Vermont legislators consider opening Overdose Prevention Centers, we want to center and amplify the voices of people who have used these sites in Canada. We invite you to imagine the positive impact OPCs could have in Vermont. OPCs are safe spaces where people can consume pre-obtained substances and be supervised by personnel trained to identify and respond to the earliest signs of overdose. They are also places where participants can typically access an array of additional services.
If you would like to add your name in support of OPCs, sign on to a letter of support at: ow.ly/KINL50R3FbZ
Source: Oudshoorn, A., et al. (2021). A critical narrative inquiry to understand the impacts of an overdose prevention site on the lives of Site Users. Harm Reduction Journal, 18(1). doi.org/10.1186/s12954-020-00458-0
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Vermont CARES began providing services to the HIV-positive community of Vermont in 1985 in response to the growing HIV/AIDS epidemic that was profoundly impacting the LGBTQ+ community. At that time, there was much uncertainty about the future of the community and what could be done to help those diagnosed with HIV.
Over the years, we have expanded our services, continued advocating for the rights and needs of people living with HIV/AIDS, and continued to adapt to an ever-changing landscape to address the evolving needs of the community.
During National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week, we join hundreds of organizations across the country to advocate for improved health outcomes for the LGBTQ community. Learn more at healthlgbtq.org/awareness-week/
#LGBTQhealth
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Have you heard? Vermont CARES has a BRAND NEW WEBSITE!✨
Whether you're looking for our office hours and locations, information on programs and services, our volunteer or donation forms, or just want to learn more about our mission, there's so much to explore on our new website! Visit vtcares.org see more.
Many thanUnited Way of Rutland Countyand County for supporting us with this development project; we're thrilled to showcase the final product!
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We could not be more excited about settling into our NEW BURLINGTON OFFICE! 🤩
Come visit us at 139 Bank St. (Burlington, VT 05401) for your harm reduction needs! We have Narcan, fentanyl test strips, xylazine test strips, safer sex items, and more! Moving spaces can be stressful and hard; if you have any questions about our services at the Burlington office, feel free to reach out to us at: info@vtcares.org
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