Vermont CARES

10/01/2026

Smoke Works is an incredible partner to us in our work who has been supporting us for years. When the state dropped funding for glass, Smoke Works stepped in to support us. There is just no way we could offer the work we do at the level we do without them. If you are a supporter of harm reduction you have to know about this organization!
Thank you, Smoke Works!
Offering smoking supplies has increased our participation while decreasing public health risk. If you support needle exchanges, support organizations that offer alternatives as well!

09/29/2026

We see the comments. We hear what people say, “You give out crack pipes??”
It’s true, we give out glass pipes that people can use for a variety of drugs.
But this sentiment is often expressed with intention to incite fear or judgement and it also fails to inquire about our work and the reasons behind this decision.
Smoking is a safer alternative to injecting and the statistics speak to the benefits. Giving out smoking supplies is an essential part of harm reduction strategy!
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09/24/2026

A common misconception about harm reduction and needle exchange programs is that they enable drug use. The reality is that needle exchange programs do the opposite. They lower infection rates, overdose deaths, and act as a bridge to care for those who need it most. They are an evidence-based practice that is proven to help those struggling with addiction. Harm reduction strategies may feel counter-intuitive but the evidence is clear: they work.

Sources:

www.chcs.org/the-other-99-using-harm-reduction-strategies-to-drive-connections-and-save-lives/

https://nida.nih.gov/about-nida/noras-blog/2024/11/syringe-services-for-people-who-inject-drugs-are-enormously-effective-but-remain-underused

https://www.cato.org/briefing-paper/overdose-prevention-centers-successful-strategy-preventing-death-disease

09/16/2026

Heyo!! We at Vermont CARES are always looking for basic need supplies that we can give to our participants. Things like soft snacks, bottled water, hygiene or period products that we can give to people are always appreciated! If you have any of these to give please reach out to us through our DMs or at 802.233.6116 by text or Signal. If you aren’t sure if a product you have is right, feel free to ask!

And thank you for supporting our work as we support those in our community! Mutual aid benefits all and we are always so gracious of those who are able to support those we serve!

09/08/2026

We are so excited to welcome Josh Florucci to Vermont CARES! To facilitate the expansion of our syringe service program into Chittenden County, Josh joins our team as a new the new Burlington Syringe Service Program Manager. We have more exciting new hires to announce soon but we are so happy to start with Josh. His experience and connections to this work in Burlington is truly second to none and we are truly so appreciative of his expertise with us. Welcome!

09/02/2026

Volunteer night is back again this month! Join us next Tuesday, September 8 from 5:30-7:30. Come by and help put together harm reduction supplies and connect with like-minded people who are working hard to support harm reduction work in Burlington. DM us with questions if you have any!

While no prior experience is required to attend, we ask all volunteers to be respectful of our participants and mission.

If you have not volunteered with us before, please submit a Volunteer Form (https://vtcares.org/volunteer) or reach out directly to our Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected]

Can’t make it this month? Don’t worry, we have these events every month and have other opportunities to volunteer! These opportunities are a great way to get to know your local harm reduction organization better and learn about the work we do. Your support will go a long way to ensuring our neighbors have the tools they need to stay safe and healthy. Thank you for your support!

Alt text: Photo is a flyer with the text: “Volunteer with Vermont CARES. Harm Reduction Kit Assembly. September 8th, 5:30-7:30 at the Burlington, VT Office.”

The background is a fentanyl and xylazine drug test receipt.

08/07/2026

VOLUNTEER with Vermont CARES! We host a monthly Volunteer Night on the second Tuesday of each month from 5:30 - 7:30 pm at our Burlington office and our next event will be on Tuesday, July 14th. We will be assembling harm reduction supply kits. While no prior experience is required to attend, we ask all volunteers to be respectful of our participants and mission.

If you have not volunteered with us before, please submit a Volunteer Form (https://vtcares.org/volunteer) or reach out directly to our Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected]

Can’t make it this month? Don’t worry, we have these events every month and have other opportunities to volunteer! These opportunities are a great way to get to know your local harm reduction organization better and learn about the work we do. Your support will go a long way to ensuring our neighbors have the tools they need to stay safe and healthy. Thank you for your support!

07/20/2026

07/07/2026

VOLUNTEER with Vermont CARES!

We host a monthly Volunteer Night on the second Tuesday of each month from 5:30 - 7:30 pm at our Burlington office and our next event will be on Tuesday, July 14th. We will be assembling harm reduction supply kits. While no prior experience is required to attend, we ask all volunteers to be respectful of our participants and mission.

If you have not volunteered with us before, please submit a Volunteer Form (https://vtcares.org/volunteer) or reach out directly to our Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected]
Can’t make it this month? Don’t worry, we have these events every month and have other opportunities to volunteer! These opportunities are a great way to get to know your local harm reduction organization better and learn about the work we do. Your support will go a long way to ensuring our neighbors have the tools they need to stay safe and healthy. Thank you for your support!