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The original item was published from 7/28/2022 2:12:21 PM to 1/1/2023 12:00:07 AM.
News Flash
Public Health
Posted on: July 28, 2022[ARCHIVED] Ipswich Board of Health Announces Syringe Services Program
The Board of Health announces that a syringe services program for town residents will begin next week on August 2, 2022. |
The Board authorized the services program in June after public meetings with representatives of North Shore Health Project and a state public health official. Following that authorization the state Department of Public Health selected One Stop, a program of the North Shore Health Project, as vendor. The DPH funds this effort. |
One Stop representatives will be in Ipswich each Tuesday offering free, confidential harm reduction services at one of three locations: the Ipswich Housing Authority parking lot near The Open Door pantry, the Ipswich MBTA commuter rail lot on Peatfield Street, and the Hammatt Street municipal parking lot. |
Times and locations will vary each week; those interested in using the service may call or text One Stop's confidential line at 978-515-0455. Anyone homebound or with a transportation issue may contact One Stop for at-home service. |
Users of the program may: |
- Obtain sterile needles and syringes free of cost
- Dispose used needles, syringes and sharps
- Be connected to testing for hepatitis C, HIV, and other sexually transmitted infections
- Receive overdose prevention education
- Have access to Narcan (naloxone)
Persons who inject drugs can substantially reduce their risk of getting and transmitting HIV, viral hepatitis, and other blood-borne infections by using a sterile (new) needle and syringe for every injection. |
More than 40 communities have approved such a program. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health supports programs where persons who inject drugs can access sterile needles and syringes through syringe services programs. |
