FOSTER Street Clinic has been keeping needles off Dandenong streets for more than 20 years.
It exchanges about 40,000 each month to limit needle sharing, re-use and incorrect disposal – particularly in public places – to reduce the risk of diseases such as HIV/AIDs and hepatitis.
Awards chairman James Sturgess said the clinic had a three-step process that started with the needle exchange.
“The second step in the process is at the time of exchange to engage and discuss with needle users and have a form of engagement that can lead to assisting the person,” he said.
“Step three then actually involves the assistance itself.
“The assistance can come in many forms including education, treatment, counselling, assistance, programs, workshops, pathways and connections.
“The drugs that are commonly associated with injections are clearly addictive and so the battle to stop using… is one that invariably involves assistance.”
Mr Sturgess said many people attending the clinic weren’t stereotypical drug addicts, but steroid users, tradies, young and old, and office workers.
Manager Debra Alexander has nine team members that include nurses, administrative staff and mobile overdose and drug and safety responders.
Nurses are on hand in a primary healthcare clinic that can help with wound healing and other medical issues.
Staff also run new program The Breakfast Club, which is about more than just food.
“Individuals are able to discuss and consider their problems, be introduced to the primary health care clinic and avail themselves of the other assistance within the Foster Street Clinic such as counselling and workshops,” Mr Sturgess said.
Foster Street Clinic was a nominee for the CSR and Employment, Small Business and Premier Regional Business awards.
