Crime and Needle Exchange Programs

Crime and Needle Exchange Programs

Introduction

During the 1980s with the advent of HIV and the realization that the virus could spread through shared, contaminated injecting equipment, a number of countries set up needle exchange programs. These are defined as services provided for the exchange of sterile injecting equipment for used injection equipment as a possible means of reducing transmission of infectious diseases (www.cdc.gov). Needle exchange programs can operate independently, as agencies, from mobile outlets in emergency units in hospitals, treatment services and community pharmacies (www.avert.org). This essay argues that needle exchange program can help a community stop the spread of blood born diseases.

Discussion

The Needle Exchange Programs (SEPs) are programs that provide drug users injecting sterile injection equipment and other services free of charge, in exchange for the delivery of their used syringes. Such programs are often integrated into strategies for harm reduction. Although many community pharmacies provide needle exchange, there are many pharmacists who are reluctant to participate in the services, citing reasons such as lack of time and space, previous bad experiences and customer behavior (Stancliff et al 2003).

The needle exchange programs have proven to reduce the number of new HIV infections without encouraging drug use. These programs distribute clean needles and safely dispose of used, and offer related services such as reference to drug treatment centers and counseling and HIV testing. Needle exchanges are a necessary part of HIV prevention in any community that contains injecting drug users (www.cdc.gov).

It is also important for injecting drug user's community programs, small group counseling and other activities that encourage safer behavior and access to prevention options available. Transfusion of infected blood or blood products is the most effective way of transmitting HIV. However, the chances of this happening can be greatly reduced by screening all blood supplies to see if they have the virus, and heat-treating blood products where possible. Furthermore, since the analysis is not 100% accurate, it is sensible to place some restrictions on who is eligible to donate, provided they are justified by epidemiological evidence, and no need to limit supply or fuel prejudice. Reduce the number of unnecessary transfusions also helps minimize the risk (www.avert.org).

The safety of medical procedures and other activities that involve contact with blood, such as tattooing and circumcision, can be improved by routinely sterilizing equipment. An even better option is to dispose of equipment after each use and this is highly recommended, if possible. Medical professionals also at risk of HIV infection through contact with infected blood. The most effective way for staff to limit this risk is to practice universal precautions, which means acting as if every patient is potentially infected (Stancliff et al 2003). Universal precautions include washing hands and using protective barriers for direct contact with blood and other body fluids.

Benefits of the needle exchange program

The main objective of these programs is to prevent infection with HIV and other blood-borne diseases in injecting drug user population, avoiding sharing ...