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Learning Objective:
By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:
• understand the health and safety implications of unsafe tattooing practices in prisons;
• understand the value of one component of a harm reduction approach to prevent hepatitis C and other infectious diseases;
• familiarize themselves with the “Safer Tattooing Practices Initiative” launched in six Canadian penitentiaries.
Background:
The global occurrence of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in prisons has been well documented. In Canada, the 2002 prevalence rate of HCV infection in federal inmates is estimated to be 25.2% among men and 33.7% among women. This poses a serious threat to correctional staff, other inmates and ultimately to the broader community.
Setting:
The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) manages 53 federal correctional facilities across Canada. In March 2004, CSC, in partnership with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), announced the initiation of a pilot project on safer tattooing practices. Six pilot sites were identified and training was provided to Correctional staff and inmates prior to implementation.
Population e.g. API Youth, MSM, IDU:
There are currently an estimated 13,000 people serving time in Canadian federal facilities. Studies indicate that 60% of the Canadian prison population has a tattoo and that 57% of male and 27% of female offenders report getting tattoos while inside prison.
Project Description:
The one year pilot includes educating all inmates about safer tattooing practices and provides safer tattooing services in a secure environment. Inmate tattooists are hired after successfully meeting the established criteria and completing the safer tattooing training. Correctional staff supervise the tattoo shop. The results of the pilot will be evaluated before decisions are made regarding national implementation.
Results/Lessons Learned:
To date, CSC inmates are receiving information on safer tattooing practices, inmate tattooists are receiving training on infectious diseases, and several pilot sites are providing safer tattooing services to inmates.
See more of Poster Session #1
See more of The 2005 National Viral Hepatitis Prevention Conference