Our Services

We provide education, training, and academic detailing centered around the harm reduction philosophy and aim to tailor harm reduction messaging into traditional health care settings. Academic detailing is tailored to each detailee  based on an extensive needs assessment including existing services, interventions, and staff culture. 

Our goal is to ultimately create a shift in the health care system by educating other treatment programs, providers, and prescribers on the racial disparities and health inequities experienced by drug users,  justice involved individuals, people experiencing homelessness, and Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC).  

We inform detailees about the harms associated with traditional health care as it relates to people who use drugs and other marginalized communities, educate them about harm reduction interventions and modalities, and work with them to incorporate these modalities into service provisions.  

VelNonArt provides Intensive Case Management Services (ICMS) to individuals who are experiencing significant and complex challenges in their lives, such as homelessness, mental illness, substance use disorders, and/or involvement with the criminal justice system. Our primary goal is to support individuals in accessing and navigating the necessary resources and services needed to improve their overall well-being and achieve their goals. 

ICMS is a highly individualized and flexible service, with the intensity and duration of support varying depending on the participant's needs. Some participants may require intensive support over a shorter period of time, while others may benefit from ongoing support over a longer period. 

 Case managers serve as the primary point of contact for the participant and coordinating services across multiple systems and providers. Our case managers work collaboratively with participants to help them achieve their goals in a non-judgmental and compassionate way. We help participants identify their needs, strengths, and goals, and develop an individualized plan to address those needs while minimizing harm. This might include providing resources and education on safer drug use or safer sex practices, or connecting clients with medical, mental health, or social services. Case managers provide ongoing support and advocacy, and help the participant navigate any barriers to accessing necessary services, including housing, employment, and other resources that can improve their overall well-being. We work with participants to develop strategies for reducing their drug or alcohol use and provide support and guidance while recognizing that complete abstinence may not always be a realistic goal. 

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) involves the use of medications that help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid use. 

Our program supports community members seeking a low barrier option to accessing MAT interventions who are unable or unwilling to access MAT services in a traditional clinical setting.  We aim to provide innovative services that increase access to treatment and support for individuals who may face barriers to accessing care, such as lack of transportation, stigma, or social isolation. 

MAT mobile teams consist of a health navigator, a peer support specialist, and a case manager. Health navigators are trained to provide screenings and assessments and support participants with direct access to OUD medications. MAT interventions accessed through our services include methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone, which are provided in accordance with evidence-based treatment guidelines. Recipients of MAT services are supported by our team on an ongoing basis or as much as participants desire. 

 Our MAT program is specifically designed to provide innovative approaches to addressing opioid use disorder (OUD) by increasing access to medication and support services, reducing the risk of overdose, improving physical and mental health, and supporting individuals in achieving and maintaining improved health outcomes. 

As part of our ongoing efforts to support the people we serve around LA County. We have developed an employment training program that provides hands on training, education, and in-the-field experience for our Syringe Service Program (SSP), Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), and Community Health Workers (CHW).

We understand that a whole person approach to care is the most powerful method of collaborating with individuals to assist them in working toward the positive changes they want to see in their lives.  Job readiness and training is a fundamental component of helping an individual work towards sustainable income and more autonomy in their lives.  

As we continue to grow and expand we also continue to develop partnerships with other organizations to increase access to additional training opportunities.

  VelNonArt is a certified Syringe Service Program (SSP) servicing Los Angeles County. Syringe Services are provided through mobile outreach and fixed sites.  See our locations page for a schedule of service areas.   

 Through our SSP we provide onsite support, education and distribution of harm reduction supplies; including naloxone  distribution paired with naloxone training, sterile syringes and matching supplies, wound care support and supplies, safer smoking supplies, safer sex supplies, HIV and HCV testing and referrals, onsite MAT services, and Intensive Case Management services. 

During our interactions we provide screenings and direct linkages to other substance use treatment services (i.e. methadone, in-patient), health care, mental health services, and other specialty services, such as HIV treatment, STD testing, and Hormone Therapy. 

VTH facilitates and partners with other providers to provide monthly wellness events providing HIV testing and medical care, in conjunction with our already existing services.  

Overall, our goal is to improve the health and well-being of individuals who engage in drug use or other risky behaviors by reducing the negative consequences associated with the behavior, and guiding participants in achieving their goals in a way that is safe and respectful of their autonomy.

We work to develop and facilitate arts based approaches to self-care by creating site-specific Expressive Art exercises, curriculums, and therapeutic interventions to  individuals, groups, and organizations. 

We believe in incorporating the perspectives, creative processes, voices, and narratives from people with lived experiences into the site-specific projects we develop, in an effort to help promote transformative change through art.