HIV fears over needle cuts

THERE are fears changes to Dandenong’s Needle Syringe Program will increase hepatitis C and HIV transmission in the area, and increase the risk of potentially-deadly jabs in playgrounds.
But Monash Health says it is expanding and improving its services for drug users in Greater Dandenong.
It said that while its Springvale foot patrol, which hands out needles and picks up discarded syringes, would cease on 1 July, needles would still be given out from a Springvale clinic.
“Which will be available to the clients in Springvale five days per week from 9am to 5pm – an expansion of the current four-hour, five days per week foot patrol,” a spokesman said.
He said there were no plans to cease needle syringe dispensing in Foster Street, Dandenong – the municipality’s only such program.
“There will be an amalgamation of the existing Foster Street clinic and the Foster Street Needle Syringe Program, which are located in the same building,” he said.
“This is the first stage of a comprehensive expansion and improvement in services for people who use drugs in the Monash Health area in line with global best practice.”
He said the foot patrol over the first five months of the year handed out less than five syringes between two workers each shift.
The area’s outreach service on average provides 12,500 per month.
“The needle syringe service in Foster Street provides 42,500 per month to clients in the region – there is no change to this service,” the spokesman said.
Monash Health would not comment on claims that nine jobs would be lost in the amalgamation, or respond to concerns from health experts that the decision could reduce access to clean syringes.
Harm-reduction group Anex has expressed concerns the changes could discourage drug users from accessing services, and that axing workers who pick up syringes could increase risks to the public, particularly in parks and playgrounds.
In June 2011 the Star reported the program had received a make-over, and was a starting point for people unsure where to go.
“It’s designed to be able to have a worker provide information, resources and telephone numbers for people wanting to access further treatment,” then-program manager Kaylene Rowe said at the time.
The space, dubbed ‘Our Space’, included a place to sit and facilities to make a hot drink, and ran regular group sessions to provide information on harm reduction, overdose prevention and sexual health.
Monash Health did not provide further details on what the amalgamated program would include.
***BREAKOUT***
NOBLE Park Community Action Forum is launching a multicultural guide to syringe disposal.
The group will unveil the wallet-sized pictorial leaflet at the Paddy O’Donoghue Centre from 6.30pm on Wednesday 10 July.
Forum chairwoman and City of Greater Dandenong councillor Roz Blades said it explained in pictures how to safely pick up a syringe and dispose of it and who to ring for safe collection.
“It is easy for everyone to read,” she said.
“I am hopeful that having one leaflet for all will be the precursor for government and other agencies to better explain a whole range of services pictorially.”
The launch event will feature speakers from South East Alcohol and Drug Service (SEADS) and the council and light refreshments.
RSVP to roz.blades@cgd.vic.gov.au or 0417 053 612.
Visit www.nobleparkcommunityactionforum.com for more information.