Volunteers are a driving force in the mission of the GR Red Project to improve health, reduce risk, and prevent accidental drug overdose, HIV, and Hepatitis C. Volunteers are encouraged to learn more and engage in honest conversation about these issues in order to help build a stronger community.
Test Counselor
The Red Project offers free rapid HIV and Hep C testing at various locations around Grand Rapids most days of the week. Office hours are also available on Monday & Thursday afternoons for clients who want to make an appointment. All other locations, whether on our Mobile Health Unit or at a partnering agency are walk-ins. The Rapid testing process takes 30 minutes and clients can see their test results before leaving.
All test counselors start with 3 training Modules provided by the State Health Department. The first module is online and can be taken at any time. This takes a couple of hours and ends in a quiz. Once you pass Module 1, you can register through the Red Project for Modules 2 and 3, which takes three days in total. After completing Module 3, trainees take a Device training where they learn about the testing equipment and paperwork used at Red Project. There is also a Hep C 101 training that takes 3 hours and is provided by Red Project. There is no fee for volunteers who intend on testing for the agency.
All test counselors are asked to sign a Commitment Form which is an agreement to test at least once/month for a year after completing your training. This is requested because of the time Red Project invests in your training, as well as the agency’s need to provide consistent service delivery at all of our locations.
New volunteers are highly encouraged to come volunteer with us at least a few times, including at a testing event, before signing up for the HIV Modules to get a feel for the agency and how testing events usually flow. This will help you know if the experience meets your expectations and if it’s a good fit before you commit.
Clean Works Harm Reduction Program
What is Clean Works?
Clean Works is Red Project’s comprehensive harm reduction program. Since August 2000, Clean Works has sought to work with people who are currently using drugs by providing syringe access and other services in the City of Grand Rapids. This highly successful program has resulted in drastic reductions in the spread of HIV among people who use drugs, as well as their families and friends. Clean Works provides Hepatitis C testing and education along with accidental drug overdose prevention training and materials.
What will my role be as a volunteer?
Clean Works volunteers provide a welcoming environment to our community, and they are the foundation of our service delivery. Our Clean Works volunteers provide individuals with syringes, condoms, safer shot and safer sex supplies, and document the supply appropriately. Clean Works volunteers are also trained to introduce new clients to the program and perform life-saving training with naloxone rescue kits. As a volunteer, your knowledge of harm reduction – in drug use, as well as sex – will greatly increase.