Gender Affirming Care in Syringe Service Programs Toolkit

Organizational Overview

National Harm Reduction Coalition (NHRC) is a national advocacy and capacity-building organization that promotes health and justice for people and communities affected by drug use. National Harm Reduction Coalition creates spaces for dialogue and action that help heal the harms caused by racialized drug policies. Our efforts advance harm reduction policies, practices, and programs that address the adverse effects of drug use including overdose, HIV, hepatitis C, addiction, and incarceration. We work to uphold every person’s right to health and well-being, and their competence to participate in the public policy dialogue. 

Project Overview

Introduction to the project:

NHRC is in search of a consultant to work in collaboration with our Lighthouse Learning Collective (LLC), a program dedicated to improving harm reduction service delivery for LGB/TGNC+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and gender nonconforming) participants throughout New York City.  LLC seeks to develop a toolkit that focuses on how to provide gender-affirming care in an SSP (syringe service program). The anticipated budget for this project is $20,000 - $30,000.

Black, Indigenous, and People Of Color (BIPOC) and LGBTQ folks local to NYC, harm reduction practitioners, and people with lived experience of drug use, sex work, and/or HIV/HCV are strongly encouraged to submit proposals.

Requirements and Scope of Work

NHRC plans to work with a consultant to create a comprehensive toolkit  As harm reduction programs expand, they need to meet the needs of different communities. Many LGB/TGNC+ do not utilize their local SSPs because they do not account for things like hormones, sexual health inclusive of queer bodies, sex work, among other programs and services. This toolkit will serve as a guide to all SSPs to enhance service delivery and provide a safer space for LGB/TGNC+ participants. Currently, LLC is conducting interviews with LGB/TGNC+ people in NYC who use drugs and/or do sex work to identify gaps in care. Information from this report will be used to inform this toolkit. We are seeking proposals that respond to these needs, including, but not limited to:

  • Developing affirming workplaces for LGB/TGNC+ participants and staff
  • Detailed information regarding GAHT (gender-affirming hormone therapy) inclusive of supplies needs and how to support around that
  • Developing communication skills and strategies to discuss LGB/TGNC+ health needs (inclusive of sexual health with an emphasis on TGNC+ communities)
  • Incorporating a resource directory SSPs to refer to (medical services, mental health services, legal aid, employment, mutual aid, name change, etc.)
  • How to vet resources and/or service providers to ensure safety for LGB/TGNC+ folks
  • How to support TGNCNB participants who use drugs and/or engage in sex work, particularly youth
  • Developing policies and procedures with LGB/TGNC+ folks in mind
  • Assessing, identifying and dismantling an SSP’s readiness to implement programs and services tailored to LGB/TGNC+ folks’ needs

 

Overview of deliverables:

Creation and finalization of toolkit:

  • Meet with staff from NHRC to gather relevant background information about NYC SSPs and their needs
  • Look over report from project (to be finalized by end of April/early May)
  • Conduct additional focus groups and feedback from SSPs in NYC and participants to supplement report
  • Deliver finalized outline, draft, and finished product to NHRC staff at agreed upon date prior to training delivery for final approval

Follow up and feedback:

  • Participate in a follow-up meeting with NHRC staff members of Lighthouse Learning Collective to present toolkit
  • Participate in public launch of toolkit

Timeline 

  • RFP Posted by March 15, 2023
  • Proposals due by March 31, 2023
  • Interviews April 3-14, 2023
  • Final Notification by April 17, 2023
  • Delivery in March/April 2024

Proposal Guidelines

Proposals can be submitted in a variety of ways, including a document, powerpoint slides, or video submission. If you have any questions about the way you can submit, please reach out using the form below. Regardless of your proposal method, please include the following information: 

 

Consultant Background

  • Any connection you have to harm reduction and/or your approach to talking about drugs and drug use, sex work and the LGBTQIA+ community
  • Any experience you have creating toolkits or resource guides (particularly for the LGB/TGNC+ community)

 

Toolkit Proposal

  • Please include at least one example (preferably in a PDF or direct link) of a toolkit or resource guide you have created and delivered.
  • How would you approach working with Lighthouse Learning Collective members over the course of the project?
  • Based on the information given, how would you go about developing the outline of the toolkit?
  • Breakdown of costs associated with each portion of the development and finalization of the project.

Submit your proposal using THIS FORM. Proposals will be accepted until March 31, 2023.

Request for Proposals Link:

Questions

Letter of Intent to Submit (optional):

Proposal Deadline:

March 31, 2023

Important Dates

Instructions

Agreements

All digital property produced through this project will be owned by Harm Reduction Coalition. We will share your proposal internally among staff members, and any proprietary information shared in the proposal should be clearly identified.

Apply Here