To: the Parishioners of Mother of God Parish
From: Carol Fausz, Health and Wellness Coordinator and Tanya Stager, Education Committee Chair
Because of the current and local wide-spread use of heroin and other substances involved with addiction, we are
providing you with some materials in the form of a series of bulletin inserts to assist you in preventing and
solving addiction problems with family, friends and the community. Better understanding can lead to
compassionate resolution of issues with loved ones.
Syringe Exchange Programs
Heroin Addiction as a Public Health Issue
 Heroin is not just a criminal justice issue, but also a major public health concern.
 Intravenous (IV) drug use is a significant risk factor for developing a number of serious infectious conditions
transmitted through the blood including; endocarditis (infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and
heart valves), hepatitis C, hepatitis B, and HIV.
 The germs that cause these infections are transmitted when contaminated syringes, needles, and other drug
paraphernalia are shared between IV drug users.
 NKY’s rate of hepatitis C is twice that of the state and 24 times that of the United States. Hepatitis B rates have
been increasing as well. Preliminary data for 2014 indicate that HIV rates may also be increasing.
 The estimated lifetime cost for treating HIV infection is $600,000; estimated lifetime cost for Hepatitis C
infection is $350,000 ( without a liver transplant) or $600,000 with a liver transplant (Cincinnati Syringe
Exchange Project).
Benefits of Syringe Exchange Programs (SEP) for Kentuckians
 Community Safety- SEPs help remove dirty needles from our streets, parks, parking lots, and neighborhoods
reducing accidental needle sticks for the public. Used syringes have a value because they can be turned in for
new ones, so they are not left behind in public spaces.
 Law Enforcement Safety- SEPs protect law enforcement officers by reducing their chances of being stuck with a
used needle. National statistics indicate that 33% of police get stuck with a contaminated needle. 28% of those
develop Hepatitis C.
 Linkage to Drug Treatment-SEPs provide disease testing and referrals to substance use treatment services.
Individuals coming to exchange programs are 25 percent more likely to eventually enroll in a drug treatment
program.
 Overdose Prevention- SEPS can educate about overdose prevention and where permitted can educate and
distribute naloxone kits.
 Bridging to Health Services- SEPs offer education and health related services, including immunizations against
Hepatitis B, testing for Hepatitis C, HIV, testing for pregnancy, and addiction counseling.
 Cost Effectiveness- SEPs help prevent the spread of Hepatitis B and C and HIV. For every $1 invested in a
SEP, communities save $3-$7 on HIV treatment alone. These savings are even greater when you add in fewer
emergency room visits and savings on hepatitis C treatment.
(The above information came from the NKY Heroin Impact Response Task Force)
Having a syringe exchange program does not encourage a person to start using IV drugs or to continue using IV drugs.
The person with the disease of addiction will continue to use the drug with dirty or clean syringes. Offering clean
syringes helps keep the rest of the community to be safe while offering the addictive individual opportunities to avoid
additional diseases and the possibility of treatment.
Addiction Information – 4