P.A.P.A. Points
Awareness Project Arizona
PAPA is an educational
program of the Arizona Hepatitis C Coalition. It is intended to raise the
level of awareness about the relation between Hepatitis C and non-sterile
syringes among pharmacists and pharmacy owners, drug users, and the
general public.
Syringes do not
require a prescription in Arizona. Nevertheless, the majority of pharmacy
chains and independent stores have a policy of refusing to sell syringes
without a prescription to those who look like they might use illegal
drugs. Changing this policy can have the effect of preventing thousands of
Hepatitis C infections per year, saving millions of dollars of health care
costs and incalculable suffering. It will also help prevent spread of HIV
and other blood-borne illnesses.
All of this is
possible with no cost to pharmacies or taxpayers. Clean syringe
availability has been shown repeatedly in the last two decades to prevent
disease without increasing drug use. It is part of a pragmatic,
non-judgmental, public health-minded approach centered on just one thing:
keeping people alive.
Some
Injection Facts
Non-sterile
syringes are a very efficient way of transmitting Hepatitis C. It is a
much heartier virus than HIV, and can live for much longer in traces of
blood left on used syringes. Heating, rinsing or cleaning syringes with
bleach does not usually eliminate the hepatitis C virus.
It is a misconception
that only users of injected drugs like heroin or methamphetamine are at
risk for hepatitis C. Athletes who share syringes to inject pharmaceutical
steroids are equally at risk. So are drug users who find discarded
syringes used by diabetics. It doesn't matter whether an injection is
intravenous or intramuscular. Getting hepatitis C from accidental needle
sticks is a major concern of health care workers.
The
only sure solution to non-transmission is to use a clean syringe for each
injection. Universal pharmacy access in Arizona is a goal for which the
Coalition strongly advocates.
Syringe
Exchange Programs
Syringe exchange
programs are not currently legal in Arizona, but nevertheless, one such
program thrives in Tucson. LIFEPOINT is run by Pima County Health
Department. It provides a vital link between the intravenous drug using
community, health and treatment services, vaccination for hepatitis A and
B, and hepatitis C testing. For more information on this program
click here.
Whether syringe
exchanges operate legally, are
Atolerated@
or are underground is both a matter of local law and public perception of
their value. Over three-quarters of all states now have needle exchanges.
They continue to be controversial, but are more and more seen as a
necessary means of curbing both hepatitis C and HIV.
While the Arizona
Hepatitis C Coalition does not actively promote syringe exchanges in
Arizona, we gladly work with any organization that actively works to
prevent, educate about or treat hepatitis C on any level.
Cookers,
Cottons & Tourniquets
Non-sterile needles
are not the only way hepatitis C is spread to those using intravenous
drugs. Typically, drugs are dissolved and heated in
Acookers@
which may be bottle caps, spoons or other devices. These may be
contaminated with microscopic traces of blood. When several people use one
cooker, the virus is spread. Drugs are also drawn up through small cottons
which may also be contaminated. Distribution of inexpensive cooker &
cotton sets is often done by syringe exchanges and other programs for
IDUs.
Needle
Disintegrators
One relatively easy
and inexpensive way to prevent hepatitis C transmission is to destroy used
syringes. Lightweight and easily portable needle disintegrators melt
points into a harmless blob and allow them to be safely tossed into the
trash. More information on these disintegrators is available on request,
Other
Paraphernalia
Non-intravenous drug
use can also spread hepatitis C in some circumstances. Snorting cocaine or
meth can cause bleeding in the nose, so sharing a rolled-up bill can
spread blood from user to user. Small pipes to smoke crack cocaine and
other drugs can burn very hot, causing cracked and bleeding lips. Some
programs distribute “safe crack smoking kits” with protective mouthpieces
and copper mesh for cooler burning. Even in Canada, where harm reduction
is national health policy, there are many who disagree with the
distribution of these kits. But the necessity to control blood-borne
disease is paramount.
Remember:
Surveys and statistics about the use of both legal and illegal
mind-altering drugs are now a matter of careful study. Though there will
always be a certain number of life-long users, statistics show that
heaviest use of these drugs peaks in youth, and tapers off strongly with
age. Contracting Hepatitis C during years of heaviest experimentation
and use is permanent. Harm reduction is part of a survival strategy
for a long and healthy life.
Useful Link:
Hepatitis C Harm
Reduction Project
A resource for
drug users sponsored by the Harm Reduction Coalition
Harm Reduction Working Group
All Coalition working
groups are a work in progress, seeking to be responsive to both interests
of members and public need. If your special interest is harm reduction, we
urge you to get involved.
To
join the Harm reduction Working Group please contact:
Victor Pawlak
