June, 2019
Applying Harm Reduction Principles to Syringe Service Programs
Harm Reduction International defines harm reduction as “policies, programs and practices that aim to minimize negative health, social and legal impacts associated with drug use, drug policies and drug laws…it focuses on positive change and on working with people without judgement, coercion, discrimination, or requiring that they stop using drugs as a precondition of support” . One of the most common ways this is put into practice is through Syringe Service Programs (SSPs). These programs play an integral role in providing access to education, counseling, treatment and resources, including: sterile syringes, safe syringe disposal, and Narcan (Naloxone) to prevent overdose death. Additionally, SSPs connect individuals to testing for communicable diseases like Hepatitis C and HIV to reduce their risk of harm and transmission to others. Check out the resources below to learn more and tune into next month's Indian Country Opioid Response Community of Learning session!
Promising Practices in Indian Country
The Cherokee One Feather , Eastern Band of Cherokee Indian's (EBCI) newspaper, published an article in August 2018 highlighting the Tsalagi Public Health Syringe Services Program and the impact they have had since opening in February 2018. Ginger Parker-Southard, Syringe Services Program Supervisor, describes some of the services provided: "We educate them on how to clean their (injection) sites...We educate them on how to look to see if they have any signs of infection at their injection site. We educate them on how Hep C is spread…we just educate people to make sure they’re doing the best they can not to spread that to anybody else."

Click the above image or visit the The Cherokee One Feather webpage to read the full article.
Rhonda, a volunteer for the Whatcom County Syringe Service Program in Washington State, discusses her personal experience with opioid misuse and what inspired her to become a volunteer. She goes on to describe the welcoming, non-judgemental environment, education, outreach, and the impact she sees the SSP having on people who use drugs.

Click the above image to watch or visit the Whatcom County Syringe Service Program's website to learn more.
Upcoming Events & Educational Opportunities
June:








July:
Join the Substance Use Disorder ECHO clinic, held the 1 st & 3 rd Thursday of every month at 11am PST. The 1 hour clinics include the opportunity to present cases, receive recommendations & become part of a learning community. Visit the teleECHO Clinic website to learn more.
To submit an article for the July newsletter or share upcoming events & educational opportunities, email [email protected] with the subject line "Opioid Response Newsletter" by June 15 th .