Home > JLPHA > Vol. 1 (2020) > No. 1 (2020)
Journal of the Louisiana Public Health Association
Article Title
Public Health Briefs - New Orleans Syringe Access Program and Implementation of Harm Reduction Practices
Abstract
Background: The New Orleans Syringe Access Program (NOSAP) at CrescentCare strives to reduce transmission of HIV and Hepatitis C among people who inject drugs by following harm reduction principles and advocating for clients’ healthcare goals. Methods: NOSAP staff and volunteers educate clients in safer injection methods and wound care. Clients complete annual intake forms that gather data about their drug use and practices (i.e. syringe disposal, sharing needles), track clientele volume, and guide development of program activities. Results: Since 2014, there has been a 269% increase in number of people served. Furthermore, 79 NOSAP clients were integrated into CrescentCare’s health system between July and December 2019. Discussion/Conclusions: Based on the growth in clientele and numbers of clients linked to care, CrescentCare intends to strengthen harm reduction education, advocate for best practices in serving stigmatized communities, and explore innovative strategies to advance syringe service programs.