PHARMACIST STEVE

The United States is facing an unprecedented set of public health challenges. Now killing nearly 1000 people daily, the COVID-19 pandemic is also compounding the ongoing crisis of addiction and risky substance use. Disruption in treatment and support services, economic shocks, despair and social isolation wrought by coronavirus have all impeded efforts to bend the overdose curve—now surging again after a momentary deceleration prior to the onset of the pandemic. By the same token, there is evidence that people with substance use disorder are more susceptible to COVID-19 infection and its deadly sequelae.

Now more than ever, prevention and supportive services are vital to safeguarding the health of people with substance use disorder. Although access to substance use treatment has received substantial attention and support, harm reduction services are being left behind. These vital programs include syringe service programs (SSPs), naloxone distribution, drug checking, and supervised consumption facilities. Intended to address the needs of highly-stigmatized, criminalized people who use illicit drugs, SSPs have been shown especially effective as platforms for stemming bloodborne infections, preventing overdose, and facilitating access to a broad range of assistance, including COVID-19 testing, substance use treatment, housing, and other essential support.

Please join the Health in Justice Action Lab for a virtual networking and strategy session to improve and expand access to syringe services in the US, featuring authors Leo Beletsky, JD, MPH, Valarie Blake, JD, MA, and Abigail Fletes, JD.

See the article here.

Join Zoom Meeting: https://northeastern.zoom.us/j/3895888990       

Thu, August 11, 2022

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM EDT

Meeting ID: 389 588 8990