HEPPAC

HIV EDUCATION and PREVENTION PROJECT OF ALAMEDA COUNTY

HEPPAC mission is to stop the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C among People Who Use Drugs (PWID), their families and to reduce the impact of drug-related harm in the East Bay Area Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Services are provided through an integrated Harm Reduction model that provides medical service in non-clinical settings for communities of color.

HEPPAC’s history began in 1992 as immediate response to the HIV epidemic among people who inject drugs in Alameda County. A group of community organizers, including AIDS activists, health care providers, active substance users and other public health workers gathered to develop a needle exchange program in Oakland. The journey of syringe exchange in Alameda County began with activism, education, epidemiological studies and advocates from public health stepping up and speaking out.