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'The Exchange' Offers Clean Needles and More

Photo by Daysha Eaton/KBBI

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. 

Daysha Eaton holds a B.A. from Evergreen State College, and a M.A. from the University of Southern California. Daysha got her start in radio at Seattle public radio stations, KPLU and KUOW. Before coming to KBBI, she was the News Director at KYUK in Bethel. She has also worked as the Southcentral Reporter for KSKA in Anchorage.