Lowering the High Rate of Hepatitis C - Syringe Exchange

Important news from Bobbi J. Bratchett: 

Prevention NOT Permission

There is also a group called: Prevention Not Permission

This concerns info and updates on the syringe exchange program that began in Portsmouth on March 1st. Since that time, we have exchanged to 14 individuals and taken in 285 used syringes for disposal.

Syringe exchange programs or SEP do not increase drug usage or crime.  Historically, they do lower blood-borne disease (HIV and Hepatitis)and carelessly disposed or tossed used syringes into our community.  When syringes are not disposed of correctly, they pose a risk to our community. 

Scioto County has a 23.73% positive rate per 100,000 for Hepatitis C.  That is the highest in the state of Ohio!  We must be proactive and not reactive in fending off a health emergency.

We do not encourage or support the use of illicit drugs.  Rather, we offer free testing, immunizations, and referrals.  Clean syringes reduce the spread of diseases because injection drug users will share needles.  Hepatitis C can live on a surface for up to 4 days.

What the Prevention NOT Permission syringe exchange program does offer is hope, encouragement, and safety.  The program offers the exchangers the opportunity to test for diseases, receive referral information, and assistance when they are ready to seek counseling for addiction.

As we already know, addiction is in all segments of our community.  Let us forge together for the good of our friends and neighbors. 

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!  LET US CONTINUE TO HELP OUR COMMUNITY.

THANKS!
BOBBI J. BRATCHETT