Experts

Francisca “Sissy” Rilatos

Francisca “Sissy” Rilatos

“I am inspired to do harm reduction work because of my own history with substance use and homelessness. I get to reach out to people and offer life-saving services, as well as empower clients to think about not only their own health, but their friends and community’s health. It’s a ripple effect of kindness and compassion.”

Francisca “Sissy” Rilatos, CRM, is a Harm Reduction Outreach Specialist and Peer Mentor for the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians located in Siletz, Oregon, which is currently the only tribal harm reduction program in the state. Sissy is a Siletz tribal member and has lived in Siletz her entire life. She has 20 years of lived experience with addiction, which gives her the unique ability to reach clients others cannot. Sissy understands that harm reduction is multi-faceted, and knows that abstinence is not the only road to success and that all people are capable of making progress towards recovery.

Harm Reduction ECHO Program

Sissy is faculty for the Harm Reduction ECHO Program, which is designed to aid clinicians in meeting clients where they are at in their recovery.

Interested in receiving free treatment recommendations or technical assistance from one of our experts? Contact us at echo@npaihb.org.

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