20 hours ago
Gary Harm Reduction works with local agencies to provide services
Although federal funding changes are challenging Gary Harm Reduction, the local grassroots organization does what it can to help those affected by addiction in Northwest Indiana.
The local organization hosted Regional Health Systems' medical van from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, doing community outreach for those with nowhere else to go.
'We can't do what we do without other systems and the same with them,' said Executive Director Kristen Martin. 'My approach is all hands on deck, all fighting, all inclusive. … We don't want to further stigmatize or harm anybody, so we're just making sure people's values align.'
The organization was founded in 2020, according to its website, and it provides the opioid antidote naloxone, known by its brand name Narcan, advocacy for substance users and people in recovery. The group is entirely volunteer and has distributed more than 5,000 Narcan kits, according to its website.
Indiana's overdose death rate is 41 per 100,000 individuals, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Lake County has the second-highest overdose rate in the state, according to Post-Tribune archives.
For the local unhoused population, Gary Harm Reduction provides items like fresh clothes, blankets, ponchos and other items, Martin said.
Gary Harm Reduction works with the medical van every first and third Wednesday of the month, Martin said. Regional Health Systems provides medical and dental services through its van, said Practice Manager Douglas Van Ramshorst, and it can assist with harm and overdose reduction.
'This looks pretty much like any other family doctor's office,' Van Ramshorst said. 'We can see kids, elderly folks, adults, do sick visits, primary care visits, physicals, pretty much anything.'
The medical van helps ensure that Regional Health Systems is providing care to all areas that need it, Van Ramshorst said.
Regional Health Systems' medical van isn't a free clinic, Van Ramshorst said, but they bill patients later and don't accept payment on-site. Most patients have Medicaid or Medicare, and Regional Health Systems accepts 'almost every private insurance.'
The agency charges based on a sliding scale, which allows people to pay based on their income. For example, if someone is homeless and has no income, the organization waives all fees.
'We're a fairly qualified health center, which means that we don't turn anyone away due to their inability to pay,' Van Ramshorst said. 'We always tell people, 'If you're going to have an issue, going to us is better than going to urgent care or the emergency room'.'
Since the beginning of 2025, Gary Harm Reduction has seen its federal and state grants decrease from about $500,000 to about $50,000, Executive Board Member Robert Bailey previously told the Post-Tribune.
Federal cuts went to diversity, equity and inclusion, LGBTQ+ and HIV grants, Bailey previously said.
The city of Gary has multiple Narcan vending machines, including one at Gary Harm Reduction's 5610 W. Ridge Road location. Martin said.
The city's Narcan machines were funded through the Opioid Settlement Fund, which is a state program. Gary hasn't had to pivot plans for Narcan due to changes in federal funding, city spokesperson Erika Blackwell said in an email.
In addition to Narcan, the machines also have socks, hand sanitizer, wipes and other sanitary items.
Gary Behavioral Health Manager Chakara Gunn helps at Gary Harm Reduction, and in addition to the Narcan machine, she serves as a resource connection.
'People call and they're like, 'Hey, this is what I'm looking for',' Gunn said, 'and I can connect them from the health department to Kristen and the services she can offer.'
For Martin, it's important to have connections like the Gary Health Department to reach more residents who need assistance.
Gary Harm Reduction is also participating in community events that help raise awareness for their work, Martin said. On Saturday, the organization participated in the city's Neighborhood Wellness Block Party with other Gary health agencies.
The organization also hosts an annual Region Recovery Riot, which will be Sept. 6 at the Gary Aquatorium. The Region Recovery Riot helps connect the community with prevention resources.
Through the various provided resources, Martin hopes people become more comfortable asking for help when needed.
'There's no court orders saying they have to come here,' she said. 'It's all just love and wanting to help. … We're trying to get rid of the stigma.'
