Syringe Service Programs (SSPs)
Spotlight: New Resource developed by IDTA@JSI!
PrEP-aring the conversation: Key messaging for talking to clients about pre-exposure prophylaxis
This resource is designed to support staff in both clinical and community-based programs to engage clients in conversations about PrEP, assess HIV risk, and facilitate access to the medication.
Key Messages: Talking with SSP participants about HepC testing and treatment
This resource shares plain language messaging and considerations that can help Syringe Service Program (SSP) staff talk about Hepatitis C (HepC) testing and treatment with participants.
Current Research on Hepatitis C virus Treatment Among People who use Drugs, 2018-2022
This literature review summarizes research and evidence that confirms the necessity and benefits of offering and providing Hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment services to people who use drugs. HCV treatment is recommended for all people with chronic HCV infection, particularly for people who use drugs in order to improve health and reduce the burden of infectious disease in a susceptible population. Thank you to Sarah Danforth, MPH, consultant to the IDTA@JSI team, for authoring this resource.
Key Messages: Talking with Syringe Service Program (SSP) clients about PrEP
This resource shares plain language messaging and considerations that can help SSP staff have conversations with clients about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP can be a powerful tool to reduce the incidence of HIV infection among people who use drugs through either sexual- and/or injection-related exposures.
Drug User Health Learning Series for Syringe Service Programs (SSPs) in Massachusetts
From November 2021 to January 2022, the IDTA@JSI project worked with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences (BIDLS) and the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS) to host four virtual capacity-building sessions on expanding integrated services for drug user health located in Syringe Service Programs (SSPs).
Participants included providers from agencies receiving funding from BIDLS and BSAS to provide SSP services. Session activities included brief didactic presentations, agency panel interviews, and group discussions. The sessions were intended to support holistic Hepatitis C and HIV prevention and care services for people who use drugs.
Hepatitis C Treatment Learning Collaborative
In Spring 2022, following the Drug User Health Learning Series, JSI began offering a Hepatitis C Treatment Learning Collaborative for a small group of SSPs in Massachusetts. For more information about the Hep C Learning Collaborative, contact us.