Harm Reduction Syringe Exchange Program New Mexico, USA

1
Harm Reduction Syringe Exchange ProgramNew
Mexico, USA

• Presented by LETI
• 2700 Girard Blvd. NE
• Albuquerque, NM 87107
• 505-884-1557

2
Syringe Exchange Experience

• Trained over 9,000 officers in the United States

3
New Mexico

• 131 Law enforcement agencies.
• Over 6,000 sworn officers.

4

• Law Enforcement are critical to a successful
  program
• Law Enforcement must be involved in implementing
  and assessing the program

5
Concerns of Law Enforcement

• Will the program increase drug use?
• Who will participate in the program?
• What effect will the exchange sites have on the
  community?

6
Possible Risk to Police

• A high risk of transmission due to contact with
  the following groups
• Drug injection users
• Sex workers
• Persons who state that they have Hepatitis B or
  C, or HIV.

7
Study

• 1995 Connecticut study finds accidental needle
  sticks to Police officers decreased 66 after
  needle exchange program initiated.

8
Administrative questions

• What equipment is available to law enforcement
  (PPE)?

9
PPE

• Needle / cut resistant gloves.

10
PPE

• Latex gloves.
• Portable needle containers.

11
Safety Precautions Education

• Wear gloves to reduce risk of a sharps stick.
• All evidence or evidence that is suspected of
  being contaminated must handled only when using
  appropriate PPE.
• Needle exchange reduces the chance of the needle
  being infected.

12
Personnel At Risk

• Sworn Police
• Criminalistics personnel
• Evidence Technicians
• Service Aids
• F.I. Techs
• Reserve Officers
• School Detectives

13

• Police officers are a critical part of any
  functioning needle exchange.
• Officers must be educated about the importance of
  the programs' benefits not only to public health,
  but also to the fight against drug abuse itself.

14
Results

• Lower costs to the departments.
• Up to 30 thousand a year for medicine to treat
  HCV.
• No time lost due to needle sticks.

15
Results

• Reduce officers risk.
• No anxiety over needle sticks.

16
Success in New Mexico

• DPS Certification.
• NM Sheriffs and Police Association.
• Use of White Card in Roswell, NM.
• Espanola, NM example.
• Rapport Building with Law Enforcement.

17
Questions?