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314491
Evaluation of syringe exchange program in Cleveland, Ohio: Preliminary findings
Monday, November 17, 2014
Swagata Banik, PhD
,
Center for Health Disparities Research & Education, Baldwin Wallace University, Berea, OH
The sharing of needles among injection drug users promotes the spread of HIV and Hepatitis B and C. However, providing a safe and legal place for IDU’s to obtain clean needles is an integral and necessary part of preventing the spread of communicable diseases. The Free Clinic of Greater Cleveland has operated the only syringe exchange program in the state of Ohio since 1995. In lieu of increasing overdose deaths in the state of Ohio, syringe exchange transactions from 2003 through 2013 were evaluated. From January 2012 through September 2013, the rate of exchanges grew exponentially, peaking at 26,920 needles during September 2013. Additionally, the SEP serves clients from 131 different zip codes weekly, covering 70 percent of the zip codes in Cuyahoga County. However, the findings also reveal that transportation, fear of legal repercussions, and distrust continue to be barriers for consistent syringe exchanges among clients. Additionally, the legal limitations in program expansion to surrounding cities prevents many IDU’s from obtaining clean syringes and could contribute to the increasing HIV rate in Cuyahoga County.
Learning Areas:
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice
Learning Objectives:
Evaluate current syringe exchange program
Identify barriers to growth in syringe exchange program
Differentiate between syringe exchange client behaviors by zip code of residence
Keyword(s): HIV Risk Behavior, Drug Abuse Prevention and Safety
Presenting author's disclosure statement:Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I was an intern for The Free Clinic of Greater Cleveland for 6 months and worked with their syringe exchange program. Additionally, I'm pursuing a degree in Public Health.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines,
and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed
in my presentation.
