FDS Insight Newsletter Jul-Sep 2020

46 There is, however, increased attention being called to Narcan training. Like a fire extinguisher or CPR training, the availability and immediate administration of Narcan could be the deciding factor in a life-or-death scenario, making this medication a tool everyone should know about, whether or not they use opioids. Throughout all of these efforts and treatments, what is most revealing about the so-called radical nature of harm reduction is how deeply its principles are embedded in the principles of the medical community. As the Hippocratic oath states, above all, ‘I will remember that I remain a member of society, with special obligations to all my fellow human beings, those sound of mind and body as well as the infirm.’ In the end, we must remember each time a clean needle is offered, a safe space to rest is given, or Narcan is administered, a life is saved. And with that spared life comes the opportunity for someone to change and seek help. Harm reduction offers a second chance, something we undeniably know as humans to be valued. J. Feldman, The Daily (26/2/20) §§§ E NHANCE , NOT ELIMINATE , NEEDLE EXCHANGE f passed, WV Senate Bill SB 286 will outlaw all WV needle (syringe) exchange programs. Exchanges allow drug users to trade-in non-sterile needles for sterile needles. Many leaders think elimination will stop drug use. Eliminating exchange programs without evidence is unethical, morally wrong, and jeopardizes the safety of the public at large. According to recent state-wide articles, the rationale for elimination is rooted in emotion, lack of facts, and misunderstanding. First, proponents claim programs create a public hazard, are failed experiments, and the risks outweigh benefits. Question: What standards or facts are these claims based? Second, based on a synthesis of articles, constituents have found or been stuck by needles. Question: What is the proportion of those stuck versus the population? Setting? Context? Third, others claim drug users will be exploited by drug dealers, therefore, elimination solves the problem. Question: Won’t drug users go elsewhere? Fourth, other locales have closed programs based on assessments. Question: What was the study’s method? Finally, in one county, leaders voted to outlaw the exchanges thinking they add more dirty needles. Question: What evidence supports more needles equals dirty needles? As a healthcare professional, I offer another perspective: restore, enhance, and expand programs. First, credible studies indicate exchange program prevent the spread of Hepatitis C or HIV. Second, WV would join a handful of states who don’t have programs. Exchanges have grown – 200/2013 to 320/2018--in the US. Georgia and Idaho recently legalized exchange programs. Florida, Missouri, Iowa and Arizona introduced bills to legalize the programs. Third, eight experts I