Fundraiser launched for Idaho Harm Reduction Project staff following Boise police raid
The Idaho Harm Reduction Project said it’s unable to continue serving the Treasure Valley community after Boise police served search warrants for drug paraphernalia at its offices in Boise and Caldwell on Wednesday.
While executing the search warrants, police also confiscated staff phones and personal items, the nonprofit said in a GoFundMe fundraiser. A sign posted outside the organization’s Boise location on West Bannock Street said the office would be closed until further notice.
The nonprofit provides needle exchange and disposal services, as well as naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses. It also offers education and testing for STI, HIV and Hepatitis C.
The fundraiser was set up to help the organization’s staff while its offices are closed. By Saturday, about $2,000 had been donated.
“Our staff members now face uncertainty regarding their ability to cover basic necessities such as rent, bills and phone expenses,” the fundraising page said. “Every donation, no matter the size, will go directly to our dedicated team. Our commitment to harm reduction and social justice remains steadfast.”
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare officials announced Friday that the agency had been directed by Gov. Brad Little to launch an internal review into its contracts with the Idaho Harm Reduction Project.
Health and Welfare has contracted with the nonprofit for nearly four years.
Health and Welfare Interim Director Dean Cameron said in a letter to Little that he has ordered reviews of state funds spent through its needle exchange program and of invoices for products and services provided to the Idaho Harm Reduction Project.
Boise police spokesperson Haley Williams said officers seized electronic devices and “packaged” drug paraphernalia related to the use of methamphetamine, opioids and crack cocaine, the Idaho Statesman reported.
“The department does not condone or support the use of illegal drugs or those who profit from it,” Cameron said in a news release from Health and Welfare.
This story was originally published February 16, 2024 at 10:00 PM.
