Change Point
HOPES HARM REDUCTION PROGRAM
Change Point is a Northern Nevada HOPES (HOPES) program that helps people make safer choices when it comes to substance use and sexual behavior, also called harm reduction. Our clinic offers many free resources and services, and all care provided is confidential and judgment-free. You don’t have to be a regular patient at HOPES to use Change Point services, you can just walk in during clinic hours. The Change Point van does mobile outreach in the community, including syringe services and rapid testing.
Change Point Services
Syringe Services
- Sterile syringes
- Safe syringe disposal
- Harm reduction supplies
Testing
- Free, rapid HIV/Hep C testing
- Sexually transmitted infection testing (chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis) by appointment
Support & Education
- Free safer sex kits (condoms, lubrication, and dental dams)
- Overdose education
- Support and peer groups
- Street outreach
- Free naloxone, Narcan, and fentanyl test strips
- PrEP and PEP for HIV prevention
CLINIC HOURS
Sexual Health Services
Monday: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm (Rapid HIV and Hep C testing only)
Tuesday: 8:30 am – 11:00 am (Rapid HIV and Hep C Testing only), 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm (STI, PrEP, and PEP services)
Wednesday: 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm (STI, PrEP, and PEP services)
Thursday: 8:30 am – 11:00 am (Rapid HIV and Hep C testing only), 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm (Rapid HIV and Hep C testing only)
Friday: CLOSED
Note: If you need to get tested outside of our regular hours, please contact the HOPES clinic at 775-786-4673 or our friends at Northern Nevada Public Health.
Syringe Exchange
*5th Street Location Only
Monday: 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Wednesday: 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Friday: CLOSED
*4th Street Location Only
Tuesday: 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Thursday: 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Syringe exchange saves lives
It helps save lives. 70% of people who inject drugs contract hepatitis C from shared syringes and about 10% acquire HIV. Syringe Service Programs (SSPs) are scientifically proven to significantly reduce the transmission of infectious diseases.
It increases access to care. SSPs serve as a bridge for individuals needing medical care and drug treatment services. And numerous studies have shown that SSPs do not increase injection drug use.
It saves money. Caring for a person living with Hepatitis C can cost close to $100,000, and up to $600,000 for someone living with HIV.
It makes our community safer. SSPs provide safety to first responders and protect children and adults from encountering used syringes in parks and other public spaces.
Paying for care
HOPES takes most insurance plans, Medicaid, and Medicare. HOPES also cares for uninsured patients. If you don’t have insurance, we use a sliding fee scale which adjusts cost based on what you can afford to pay. Our team meets with all new patients to make sure they can get the care they need. Hep C/HIV rapid tests are always free.
HIV Testing
Know your status! This video shows what it is like to get a free, rapid HIV test at Northern Nevada HOPES. HIV screenings at HOPES are confidential, and free, and you get results in less than 30 minutes.
PrEP and PEP Services
HOPES offers PrEP and PEP services to prevent HIV infection through our Change Point clinic. See Our HIV Care page for more information on PrEP and PEP.
