THE CITY OF PORTSMOUTH, OHIO IS NOW THE SECOND SITE IN STATE TO PROVIDE SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAM

Resolution 11-03 presented by Peggy Burton, Portsmouth City Health Commissioner, was presented and accepted by the board of health on January 26, 2011.  The resolution contained an emergency order allowing the Portsmouth City Health Department to conduct a syringe exchange program due to the health impact and costs that are incurred as a result of HIV, Hepatitis, and other diseases transmitted through the use of shared or dirty needles. 

The syringe exchange program is entitled PREVENTION NOT PERMISSION and is only the second site in Ohio to provide prevention through this endeavor.  The goal of the SEP (syringe exchange program) is to protect our community from blood-borne diseases associated with the risks of discarded used syringes.  Sanitation workers, home inspectors, policemen, firemen, and the citizens of our town are now at risk due to discarded used needles.  Used needles have been found in garbage bags, vacant homes, playgrounds, parks, church/school steps, alleys, etc. and pose health hazards to individuals coming in contact with them. 

Scioto County currently has the highest rate of Hepatitis C in Ohio with a 23.73% positive status per 100,000 population.  Due to an escalating illegal drug usage problem, the health department determined to be proactive rather than reactive.  Health departments are to forsee any potential health problems, trends, or risks and implement plans to lessen the impact on a community.

The PREVENTION NOT PERMISSION syringe exchange program is a grassroot effort in the community of Portsmouth.  Many health departments and HIV testing sites throughout the state have donated syringes to the program.  Community members are collecting coffee cans, detergent bottles, milk jugs or anything that is plastic with a lid to use as a "sharps" container for the dirty needles.  The police force have given their support for the SEP in an effort to reduce the risks to, not only the police, but to the general population. 

The syringe exchange program is not giving permission or encouragemnt to those individuals using illicit drugs.  Rather, it is encouraging those individuals to be responsible and not to discard the used syringes in inappropriate places.  Also, when the exchangers come to the Portsmouth City Health Department or to a mobile site, they receive a list of referral agencies (rehabs, shelters, hospitals, churches, food pantries, etc.) to seek for assistance.  Information is also given to them concerning the need to get tested for HIV, Hepatitis C, and STI's.  The PREVENTION NOT PERMISSION program promotes preventative steps for health care. 

SEP's do not support drug use or addiction.  Participation in the SEP does not keep an individual from jail if they have committed a crime.  Programs like this do not increase crime or usage of illicit drugs.  However, syringe exchange programs do lower risks to communities and transmission rates of blood-borne diseases, such as, HIV and Hepatitis C.  SEP's also encourage users or exchangers to access services that they may be unaware of or fear seeking due to perceived consequences.  Portsmouth City Health Department provides free HIV and Hepatitis C counseling, education, and testing every Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. to anyone seeking this service.

If you have any questions concerning the PREVENTION NOT PERMISSION syringe exchange program, please contact Bobbi J. Bratchett at 740-353-8863 extension 250.