Orientation Resources

The FXB Center orients new Harm Reduction Health (HRH) providers to the program. New staff should review and complete the following activities in preparation for their role.

Training

The following trainings are required and will need to be completed to effectively transition into your role as a HRH program provider.

HIV Training and Capacity Development (TACD) Program training series.
Fill out the following form. Once registered, you and your supervisor will receive the Harm Reduction Nurse curriculum. Review your organization’s protocol for a positive HIV test.

Contact:
Luce Morgan (luce.morgan@jefferson.edu)
Northeast/Caribbean AETC

Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson (RWJ) Medical School Rapid HIV and HCV Testing Training
Upon completion of the TACD Program, you will be scheduled for the Rapid HIV and HCV Testing Trainings.

Contact:
Joanne Corbo (corbojo@rwjms.rutgers.edu)
RWJ Rapid HIV Testing Training

Program Database
Obtain a log-in and learn how to use the program database used to track client encounters.

Contact:
Rehka Damaraju (Rekha.Damaraju@doh.nj.gov)
New Jersey Department of Health

Communicable Disease Reporting and Surveillance System (CDRSS)

CDRSS is the designated system for Hepatitis C testing and results. Training will take place via a live webinar with interactive polls and opportunity for questions. Select your preferred date of training from the drop-down menu. Be sure to complete the User Agreement and send to CDRSS Admin team at cdrstrain@doh.nj.gov or faxed to 609-826-4750. You will need your organization’s CLIA #. If you are unable to obtain this information, please reach out to the CDRSS help desk. Reach out to Liz Lazo (eir8@sn.rutgers.edu) for additional assistance.

Register for the live webinar here. After the webinar, you will receive an email link to complete an online post-test. Access to CDRSS will depend on a satisfactory score on the post-test. If you do not obtain a satisfactory score, next steps will be determined by CDRSS Admin who will then work with you to obtain access.

Contact:
CDRSS Admin (cdrs.admin@doh.nj.gov)

Overdose Prevention and Naloxone Distribution and Preceptorship

You will be scheduled for a preceptorship with a Harm Reduction Health nurse. A checklist of activities and skills that will be reviewed during the preceptorship is available here.

Contact:
Liz Lazo (eir8@sn.rutgers.edu)
FXB Center, Rutgers School of Nursing

Program Setup

This section provides information about the activities, contacts, and resources you will need to initiate harm reduction health services

Supplies

Review the program supply list. Take an account of supplies, discarding expired items, counting any medication/vaccines/Naloxone that may be on the premises and alerting the appropriate point person. Discuss ordering needed supplies with your supervisor. To dispose of expired medications, contact Steve Dunagan (Dunagan@doh.nj.gov).

If your site does not have a Syringe Access Program (SAP), order Narcan.

      • If Narcan ordering is part of your budget, you are free to order from any supplier based on your agency’s purchasing procedures.
      • If it is not, you can order from the DHS Narcan portal for free if you are an eligible site.
      • For immediate, short-term supply, email Mariah Smith (smith@doh.nj.gov) at the Overdose Hot Spot Initiative.
      • If none of these options work, then a one-time amendment for the OPI grant can be requested for additional funds. Contact your PMO.
STD Testing and Treatment Services
Obtain STD testing supplies and to arrange for courier pick-up of samples, please reach out to Jacqueline Tobia at the state laboratory. This process entails first setting up a letter of agreement (LOA) between the laboratory and your agency, assigning you a site #, and then shipping the supplies. Once you have an LOA with the lab and a site #, contact Steve Dunagan for medications needed for treatment.

Contacts:
Jacqueline Tobia (Jacqueline.Tobia@doh.nj.gov)
New Jersey Department of Health STD Lab

Steve Dunagan (Steven.Dunagan@doh.nj.gov)
New Jersey Department of Health STD Lab

For questions regarding a client’s prior RPR and/or treatment history, contact the STD Program managers.

Contacts:
Main phone number: 609-826-4869

Valerie Piccarillo (valerie.piccarillo@doh.nj.gov)
Phone: 609-955-6038
Field Operations – Mid and Northern Region
New Jersey Department of Health

Debbie Gleissner (deborah.gleissner@doh.nj.gov)
Phone: 609-273-6575
Field Operations – Southern Region
New Jersey Department of Health

Charting Forms
Develop a system for organizing your charts. (You will have a chance to see how other sites create their records when you visit another HRH site). Review the chart checklist to ensure all necessary information is included in the chart.

Contact:
Liz Lazo (eir8@sn.rutgers.edu)
FXB Center, Rutgers School of Nursing

 

Referral Guide
A list of local referrals for your organization and the other Harm Reduction Health sites is on Rutgers Box. Review your organization’s list and update with any changes to contact information or additional agencies. Learn how to refer and link clients internally and externally from your organization to needed care.

Contact:
Liz Lazo (eir8@sn.rutgers.edu)
FXB Center, Rutgers School of Nursing

Program Standing Orders

Make a list of questions, as needed, to discuss with your supervisor, with the FXB Center staff, or with your preceptor when you visit another HRH site. Ensure that your standing orders have been signed within one year. Notify your Medical Director that you are the new HRH nurse.

Contact:
Joanne Simone (phillijm@sn.rutgers.edu)
FXB Center, Rutgers School of Nursing

Educational Materials
Your organization may have educational resources available to distribute to clients. If additional educational brochures are needed, they can be ordered online. Review your organization’s protocol for displaying health education posters and materials in spaces used for seeing clients and in waiting areas.

Contact:
Liz Lazo (eir8@sn.rutgers.edu)
Rutgers Health FXB Center