A woman in a white shirt and jeans is talking to a man in a light blue shirt, seated on a beige couch in a bright room. The woman holds a clipboard and a pen, with her hand on the man's hand as they have a serious conversation.

Harm Reduction Program

Harm Reduction That Meets People Where They Are

At St. John’s Community Health, we recognize that health and healing don’t always follow a straight path. Our Harm Reduction Program is rooted in compassion, dignity, and the belief that every person deserves access to life-saving care—no matter where they are in their journey.

We serve people who use drugs with respect, safety, and support—without judgment or shame. Our goal is to reduce the harms associated with substance use while connecting individuals to services that can support their health and well-being.

What We Offer

We provide life-saving tools, education, and support to reduce the risks of substance use—meeting individuals where they are with care, dignity, and no judgment.

  • Syringe Exchange Services
    Safe access to clean syringes and disposal to prevent the spread of infections like HIV and Hepatitis C.

  • Overdose Prevention & Narcan Distribution
    Education and free distribution of naloxone (Narcan), a life-saving medication that reverses opioid overdoses.

  • Wound Care & Health Screenings
    On-site support for wound care, HIV/Hep C testing, and referrals for medical treatment when needed.

  • Peer Navigation & Case Management
    One-on-one support from trained staff who understand the lived experience of substance use.

  • Connections to Care
    Referrals to medical, mental health, housing, and recovery support services—when and if a person is ready.

Close-up of a woman wearing a black cap, sunglasses, and a black jacket, with her head slightly bowed, in an outdoor setting with other people around.

A Judgment-Free Approach to Health

We use a harm reduction model because we believe in meeting people with care—not conditions. Our services are confidential, and rooted in cultural humility, trauma-informed care, and respect for individual choice.

Two women, one with red hair and the other with dark hair, giving each other a high-five next to a community health van parked on a city street. The woman with red hair is in mid-air, and both are smiling.

Everyone Deserves a Chance to Stay Safe and Be Well

Whether someone is looking for support today or just a safe space to breathe, our Harm Reduction team is here to help—on their terms, in their time.

Harm Reduction Program Team

JONATHAN LEIVA

Program Manager
213-709-5114 | jleiva@sjch.org

LUDWIG ESTACIO

HRP Community Health Worker
323-532-6765 | lestacio@sjch.org

JOSH LACOUR

HRP Community Health Worker
213-646-2664 | jlacour@sjch.org

Resources