Needle Exchange Program

• Identify your preconceived thoughts about the Needle Exchange Program prior to this class discussion and presentation. 
• Discuss how this presentation may have changed your pre-existing beliefs or bias about this program (if any). 
• Discuss strategies for resolving health and healthcare disparities and improving the health of those affected within this population. 
• How will you apply what you have learned in today’s presentation to your nursing Center To Advance Interprofessional Education And Practice? 

Prior to the presentation today, I had not had many preconceived notions about the Needle Exchange Program. I believe this is a program where you can discard used needles and replace them with new ones. This program can be utilized by anyone who needs fresh needles. I understand that this can be used for individuals who are struggling with substance use disorders and this is a way to provide safe injection practices. I have a different idea about this program as my brother has to inject himself with growth hormone daily because he has a tumor on his pituitary gland that has hindered his growth. My mother will drop off his filled sharps disposal container to the nice people at this program. They have the ability to dispose of them at no or little cost. I believe that this program is controversial but overall beneficial to my family. 

After this presentation they made me think differently about people who are a victim of substance abuse. These people deserve the same level of care as any other person. This program protects these victims and provides the care they need without judgment. They emphasize the reduction of harm with people’s substance abuse issues. They understand the complexity of addiction and provide varying levels of care to help everyone individually. They use an interdisciplinary approach to care for people with substance use disorders in Maine. They provide as little or as much help and interaction as warranted by the individual. They offer connection and comfort for people who would like extra help with further resources. I thought it was interesting that they have sharps containers located throughout the community to allow for the disposal of dirty needles. They also provide Narcan training to anyone who is willing to listen. They will also provide naloxone nasal spray just in case. This program will provide free services along with testing for HIV to diminish the healthcare disparities. If the individual tests positive they will then follow through and provide more resources to care for the new HIV diagnosis. 

I have learned a lot during today’s presentation. I will ultimately take away the amount of judge-free care that they provide. They will help people who are only there to get new needles and those who are there to quit their addiction. They were extremely accepting and understanding about this disorder. They understand that there is usually a deeper issue that leads them to this lifestyle. It takes courage for the patient to ask for help and they value and recognize this. I hope to never judge any of my patients based on their choices because there is always a deeper story. I hope to make the world a better place by doing this within the community as well.