North Coast AIDS Project (NorCAP)

The North Coast AIDS Project (NorCAP) is a program of the Humboldt County Department of Health & Human Services’ Public Health’s Healthy Communities Division. NorCAP provides a variety of prevention, outreach and client services free of charge, including syringe services, testing, overdose prevention, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), case management, housing assistance and insurance assistance.

For a free HIV test, email: freehivtest@co.humboldt.ca.us

Outreach Services

Syringe Services Program (SSP)

SSPs are proven to reduce new HIV and hepatitis C infections among people who inject drugs and reduce syringe litter. The SSP mobile outreach van operates throughout the county. Call for a schedule and locations.

Outreach services include:

  • Syringe exchange and disposal of used syringes
  • Safer injection supplies
  • Safer sex supplies
  • Referrals for housing, medical insurance, health care and alcohol/drug treatment programs
  • Hygiene kits.

Testing

Identifying undiagnosed HIV and hepatitis C infections is one of the most effective tools at preventing the spread of these viruses.

Testing services include:

  • HIV and hepatitis C rapid testing
  • Counseling around wound care, safe injection, etc.
  • Referrals
  • Linkages to care and treatment
  • Partner notification services (assistance with talking to partners about HIV status). 

Overdose Prevention

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, overdose prevention services are limited. Naloxone training is unavailable. 

Naloxone is provided at the Healthy Communities main location lobby located at 908 Seventh St., Eureka, CA 95501

Hours of Operation are Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

People who use opioids such as heroin, Vicodin, Percocet, Norco, hydrocodone, fentanyl and others are at risk of an overdose.

Overdose prevention services include:

  • Overdose prevention education
  • Free Narcan/naloxone kits (to reverse an opioid overdose).

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)

PrEP is available through your medical provider or Planned Parenthood. PrEP-Assistance Program helps cover uncovered costs for the medication. Please contact 707-268-2132 and ask for the PrEP Assistane Program.

NorCAP provides PrEP navigation services to Humboldt County residents. PrEP is a daily pill that an HIV negative person can take to reduce their chance of contracting HIV.

Services include:

  • Linkages to medical insurance and health care
  • Medication payment assistance
  • Education and support.

Education and Prevention

NorCAP provides educational presentations and trainings to inform and support people in preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C and opioid overdose.

Topics include:

  • Infection control
  • Risk reduction
  • Safer sex practices
  • Support for behavior change
  • HIV and hepatitis C
  • PrEP.

Information and Resources

Safer sex supplies are available as well as books, and pamphlets on:

  • HIV and hepatitis C prevention
  • HIV, hepatitis C and substance use treatment
  • Overdose prevention
  • Risk reduction.

Case Management

NorCAP provides case management, health education, resource referrals and advocacy services for people living with HIV.

Services include linkages and referrals to:

  • Medical specialists
  • Therapists/counselors
  • Drug and alcohol treatment programs
  • Social services and CalFresh
  • Food, housing and other supportive services.

Housing Assistance

NorCAP manages two housing assistance programs:

  • Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS is an emergency housing assistance program to help people maintain their housing.
  • HIV/AIDS Re-Housing Team is a rental assistance program that helps chronically homeless people who are living with HIV find housing.

Insurance Assistance

  • NorCAP provides assistance with accessing medical insurance.
  • Medi-Cal / CMSP
  • Covered California
  • Office of AIDS Health Insurance Premium Payment.

AIDS Drugs Assistance Program (ADAP)

ADAP helps ensure that people living with HIV and AIDS who are uninsured or under-insured have access to medication. Individuals are eligible for ADAP if they:

  • Are a resident of California
  • Are HIV infected
  • Are 18 years of age or older
  • Have a Federal Adjusted Gross Income (FAGI) that does not exceed $62,450 per year for an individual
  • Have a valid prescription from a licensed California physician and
  • Have limited or no prescription drug coverage, and do not qualify for no-cost Medi-Cal
  • Lack private insurance that covers the medications, or do not qualify for no-cost Medi-Cal.

If you meet the eligibility requirements, you must apply in person at an authorized ADAP enrollment site. You will be responsible to provide support documentation to verify your eligibility.

Once you complete your enrollment into ADAP, your HIV medications will be accessible through participating ADAP pharmacies. Currently, 225 drugs are available through ADAP, and there are over 4,000 participating pharmacies statewide where you can access these drugs.

From the California Department of Public Health, Office of AIDS.