The Linkage Between Syringe Use and Infectious Disease
Introductory Paragraph
With drug use on the rise, a major concern for those with an SUD should be the potential increase in spreading infectious diseases. Infectious diseases associated with substance use, such as HIV, HCV, and AIDS, are largely contracted through both unsafe substance use conditions and unprotected sexual intercourse, a high-risk behavior that may be attributed to impaired judgment (5). Further, those who have an SUD are often less likely to receive timely, routine health care needed for early diagnosis and treatment (9). Left untreated, these diseases can quickly decrease the quality of life and lead to serious health consequences as well as death. Despite the prevalence and the personal and public health issues that result, fewer than half of all treatment facilities conduct infectious disease screenings as part of their standard-of-care (15). It is imperative that early screening and education be expanded and improved in order to prevent the spread of infectious disease and provide early intervention for those who are already infected.
Key Information
Hep C virus (HCV) infections tripled between 2010 and 2015. Substance abuse and infectious diseases shared common populations, risk factors, social determinants, and even contracting venues.[1] There was little collaboration between programs that provided services to these populations.[2] Methadone clinics would be optimal venues for service integration because these clinics serve a population that is 60% injection drug users; have medical staff performing brief health assessments for all new clients; and already have some infectious disease screenings in place, including routine tuberculosis testing and intermittent opt-in HIV testing. One study showed that 68% of opioid treatment programs nationwide had staff capacity for HCV testing, but only 33% actually offered on-site HCV testing
Awareness of HCV infection among this particular population may motivate them to reduce their consumption and hopefully high-risk behavior.
Relevant Research
In this section, please capture any recent findings, reports, or data on the topic. Please also highlight any gaps or existing disparities. Please include references and links to the information so that we may add a footnote for the reader to find further information. Do we have any available research about discriminatory practices? Is there information about the value of access to educational opportunities?
Impactful Federal, State, and Local Policies
Please list any federal, state, or local laws, policies, or regulations that support this topic or ones that could be a possible barrier. Are there laws or policies other states should know about and replicate for success?
Available Tools and Resources
Oftentimes, there are already great resources in the field that have been developed, but they are not housed in a single place. Please use this section to share information about those resources and drive the reader to that resource. It may be a worksheet, toolkit, fact sheet, framework/model, infographic, new technology, etc. I suggest no more than 5 really good links and a corresponding description for the reader. We also can use this section to highlight some of the great resources and programs at SAFE Project.
Promising Practices
Philly Website
phillyhepatits.org is an example of a resource for people seeking to identify if they have hepatitis, next steps they can take, and where they can find care or assistance.[3]
TLC Awareness Campaign
"Test, Listen, Cure" (TLC) Hepatitis C Community Awareness Campaign provides information about how HCV infection is transmitted, risk factors for the disease, the importance of screening and treatment, and the availability of improved treatment for the disease.[4]