Below Sea Level Aid

Organizations running syringe service programs (SSPs) face potential shutdown or loss of federal grant support. BSLA is purposely not federally funded but many SSPs in the US heavily rely on this funding to continue operations.

Shocked but not surprised! SAMHSA’s new guidance echoes Trump’s EO by formally declaring that federal funding will no longer support programs involving syringe services, safe consumption, or syringe distribution.

ENCAMPMENT SWEEPS ARE SCHEDULED FOR MONDAY 7/21 We are in need of volunteers to help support de-escalation efforts during this sweep along with transportation and donation pick-up support. Sign-up to volunteer here: bit.ly/Sweep-Support

Did you know we have a harm reduction hotline? ☎️ Call or text us at anytime for free harm reduction supplies! Not located in New Orleans? Head over to our website for free supplies and shipping.

@nopjf @FixNOLA I don’t see any issue with extra protection for individuals to feel like they can report a crime without repercussions. We’re very glad city counsel agree with us, along with support from NOPD.

Respectfully, there is no threat of arrest now. This creates fear of something that doesn't happen. Please refer to the original post. Officers are taught not to victimize the victim and typically contact the sex crimes unit to ensure it's handled with care. What examples of arrest were used? What was the goal of this? To grow the industry?

Once again, the NOPD doesn't charge victims/witnesses who are s*x workers now. This ordinance does nothing but create needless fear. For at least 10 years, it has been standard to practice to not victimize the victim when they report a crime or witness one. In fact, it would prevent the witness from being useful in the actual investigation. Additionally, every officer knows the case would never be prosecuted. Officers are far more likely to take someone to a shelter. For verification, check the daily magistrate court charges. LA R.S. 14:82 is NEVER used. This ordinance only villainizes law enforcement and puts them in a difficult situation if/when they must enforce the STATE law. What reasoning was used for this ordinance?

@FixNOLA @NOLACityCouncil This ordinance was not drafted by Moreno. It was drafted by us and the Trans Income Project, backed by Moreno and Harris. They heard our case and we are very happy they have decided to pass ordinances that allow everyone to report crimes.

@sealevelaid @NOLACityCouncil That would be an argument for the legislature. This seems to be an attempt by city leaders, yet again, to sidestep state laws they do not like.

Nobody on @NOLACityCouncil thinks this is a bad idea?

@FixNOLA @NOLACityCouncil Sex work is a victimless crime when two consenting adults agree to the terms. When it becomes non consensual or violent, that’s an actual crime that needs to be reported.

@sealevelaid @NOLACityCouncil By that standard, we should immunize anyone who claims to be a crime victim, no matter what underlying law they are breaking. Right?

@FixNOLA @NOLACityCouncil Just like many things, sex work will continue whether legal or not. Everyone should have the right to report crimes that happen to them without fear.

@sealevelaid @NOLACityCouncil Do we want to encourage prostitution?

When we organize - we win. Thank you to @nolacitycouncil for passing our ordinance to support sex workers in New Orleans. The biggest thank you to those who signed our petition, showed up to city counsel, and shared what this ordinance is really about. #DecrimSexWork

@GNOFoundation @myTGnola Thank you! 🖤

Congrats!

You DO NOT need to be a non-profit, or have any formal funding to get pipes from Smoke Works. If you’re distributing supplies for free, we got you. #HarmReduction

This mobile unit will also allow us the opportunity to reach more people who may not be able to access traditional clinics and resources due to transportation barriers, geographic location, or other factors. Funds can be sent here: bit.ly/BSLA-GiveNola

This year, we are raising funds to procure a mobile unit so that we can literally meet people where they are—offering STI testing, supply delivery, encampment/unhoused outreach, disaster relief, and education. #GiveNolaDay

Today is the day! During Give Nola Day this year, please consider donating to Below Sea Level Aid. Below Sea Level Aid is a mutual aid organization located in New Orleans that focuses on holistic harm reduction that meets people where they are, without judgement or barriers.

📢 WE'RE TAKING IT TO CITY HALL 📢 We are introducing a Prosecutorial Immunity Ordinance to protect sex workers who report crimes — and we need YOU with us. 📍 City Hall – April 28 @ 10AM 🖊️ Sign & share the petition 📣 Bring your voice. Bring your people. Let’s pack the room.

Thank you to everyone who came out yesterday and grabbed some safer use supplies or got a Jell-O shot! We raised over $400, which covers our admin costs for May 🐣 🌼 🪺

I need people to understand how difficult it is to get an NIH grant. You spend months writing a proposal, following strict guidelines that include a detailed multiyear budget, bios of everyone on your team, plans for participant safety & ethical conduct. Then you send it off -1/n