IMPACT LIFE — EST. 2020

OUTREACH Services

OutreachPrevention

OUTREACH

Harm Reduction

Harm reduction refers to policies, programs and practices that aim to minimize negative health, social and legal impacts associated with drug use, drug policies and drug laws.

Harm reduction is grounded in justice and human rights. It focuses on positive change and on working with people without judgement, coercion, discrimination, or requiring that they stop using drugs as a precondition of support. It encompasses a range of health and social services and practices that apply to illicit and licit drugs.

Our Harm Reduction Programs offer Outreach, Education and Narcan Training and Peer Support Services.

Wound Care

A Crucial Component of Our Harm Reduction and Street Outreach Programs. At Impact Life, we are committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to individuals in need through our Harm Reduction and street outreach initiatives. A critical aspect of our programs is wound care, and here’s why it matters:

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WHAT IS WOUND CARE?
Wound care involves the assessment, treatment, and prevention of injuries to the skin and underlying tissues. It includes cleaning, disinfecting, dressing wounds, and offering education on proper wound management.

WHY IS WOUND CARE IMPORTANT IN HARM REDUCTION?

Preventing Infections: For individuals facing homelessness and substance use challenges, open wounds are not uncommon. Neglecting wound care can lead to infections, some of which can become life-threatening. By addressing wounds promptly, we reduce the risk of these complications.

Reducing Harm: Harm Reduction is at the core of our mission. By providing wound care services, we minimize the harm associated with drug use and risky behaviors. Treating wounds ensures that individuals receive care in a non-judgmental and supportive environment.

Building Trust: Our street outreach teams prioritize building trust and rapport with those we serve. Wound care is an opportunity to connect with individuals, offering not only physical relief but also emotional support. This trust is essential in guiding them toward other necessary services, including addiction treatment.

Enhancing Quality of Life: Wounds can be painful and debilitating. By addressing them, we improve the quality of life for our clients. This, in turn, opens doors for engagement in broader health and social services.

At Impact Life, we understand that wound care is not just about treating physical injuries; it’s about showing care, respect, and empathy to every individual we encounter. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive care that goes beyond immediate wound treatment, helping individuals on their journey toward stability, recovery, and a healthier future.

By including wound care as a fundamental component of our Harm Reduction and street outreach programs, we aim to make a positive impact on the lives of those we serve. Together, we can reduce harm, promote health, and empower individuals to take steps toward a brighter future.

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B.C.O.R. Program

(Building Communities of Recovery)

Building Communities of Recovery (BCOR) is a SAMHSA funded initiative aimed at expanding access to quality, long-term recovery support for individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) and co-occurring mental health disorders (COD). Serving individuals aged 12 and older across Delaware, our trauma-informed, culturally appropriate program connects a variety of community-based resources to meet the unique needs of those in active addiction, recovery, or at risk.

Our BCOR services include:

  • Outreach and Overdose Prevention Education
  • Risk Management Screenings
  • Narcan Training
  • Mobile Wound Care Services
  • Referrals to Housing and Healthcare
  • Mindfulness Sessions and Activities
  • Peer Support Services
  • Recovery Planning
  • Safe Disposal and Drug Takeback Events

Led by a diverse team with lived experience, BCOR aims to enhance recovery support services and improve long-term recovery outcomes for the communities we serve.

Fun Fact:

Impact Life is the first program in the State of Delaware to be awarded a BCOR grant.

Syringe services program (SSP)

Impact Life’s Statewide Syringe Services Program (SSP) is a low-barrier harm reduction initiative that operates throughout Delaware, providing life-saving services to individuals and communities impacted by substance use. The program is designed to reduce the transmission of infectious diseases, prevent overdose deaths, improve community health, and connect participants to healthcare, treatment, recovery, and social support services.

Through a compassionate, nonjudgmental approach, participants have access to safer use supplies, safe disposal options, naloxone education and distribution, overdose prevention resources, wound care supplies, health screenings, and referrals to medical, behavioral health, housing, and recovery support services. Our outreach teams meet people where they are – in communities, neighborhoods, encampments, and other settings where services are needed most.
The Syringe Services Program is built on the belief that every interaction is an opportunity to improve health, reduce harm, and foster connection. Participation is voluntary and confidential, with services focused on dignity, safety, and empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. Whether someone is seeking harm reduction resources, healthcare navigation, treatment options, or recovery support, Impact Life is committed to providing practical assistance and pathways to wellness across the state of Delaware. 

For more information:

For more information on our Syringe Services Program you can walk in to our trolley square location or reach out to Leslie Palladino at leslie@impactlifetoday.org. 

PREVENTION

SCHOOL-BASED SERVICES

A school and community-based outreach and education program that operates throughout the state of Delaware. The goal of the program is to increase awareness of the risk of opioid use and overdose, reduce stigma related to SUD, increase harm reduction activities, and increase access to behavioral health treatment, prevention, and navigation to identified services.

Impact Life provides substance use disorder prevention and education programming for students in grades K–12 that aligns with the requirements of 14 DE Admin. Code §551 and the Delaware Health Education Standards. Our programming incorporates evidence-based and promising practices focused on alcohol, tobacco, and other drug prevention, skill-building, decision-making, self-management, and protective factors that support lifelong health and wellness.

Programs may be customized by grade level and tailored to meet minimum instructional hour requirements, district or charter school needs, and local implementation models, including prevention education delivered by trained facilitators and individuals with lived experience, as permitted under the regulation.

For questions about alignment, customization, or scheduling, please contact Leslie at Leslie@impactlifetoday.org.

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I wanted to take a moment to extend my heartfelt gratitude for collaborating with us at Appo HS. My students have enjoyed the presentations and have learned a lot from each speaker. I am reaching out to see if John Edwards could attend more sessions with the students. John’s willingness to share his experiences and knowledge has left a lasting impression with my students. John can talk about the criminal justice system and explain it better than any textbook. My students requested John to return and speak to them in the future. Once again, thank you for your time and commitment to making a positive impact on young minds.

— Tom Purse
Appoquinimink High School

ADOLESCENT & FAMILY SERVICES

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