Homer got its first needle exchange recently. Simply called, ‘The Exchange’, the primary goal of the pilot program is to reduce the spread Hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS, and bacterial infections among intravenous drug users by exchanging used needles and syringes for clean ones. Dr. Sarah Spencer, a local doctor board certified in addiction medicine, is overseeing this project. KBBI’s Daysha Eaton talks with Dr. Spencer.
The Exchange opened June 21st . It is open again today and every other Tuesday, 5-7 p.m.
During their visit participants in the program will be offered various health, treatment and recovery related information, as well as rapid on-site testing for Hepatitis C and HIV. A medication which can save the life of someone who is overdosing on heroin, is also available.