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Learning Objective:
By the end of the presentation participants will be able to:
1. Identify optimal success factors for integration of hepatitis services including what makes a quality partnership and the limitation of administrative requirements.
2. Understand the benefits of this program's structure including client-determined needs assessments and limited session capacity.
Background:
Access Works' staff identified the need to increase awareness and prevention behaviors among clients with high-risk behaviors and address the clients' expressed need for hepatitis services in a safe and accessible environment.
Setting:
Minneapolis syringe exchange site
Population e.g. API Youth, MSM, IDU:
IDU
Project Description:
Access Works (AW) collaborated with the Community University Health Care Center (CUHCC) and the Minnesota Department of Health to provide monthly viral hepatitis education, screening, and vaccination clinics at their drop-in facility. Participants receive group education regarding transmission, vaccination, and treatment options. Nursing staff from CUHCC draw blood to test for hepatitis A, B, and C and vaccinate for hepatitis A & B. Oral HIV testing is offered during the clinics in 1:1 sessions with a trained counselor.
Results/Lessons Learned:
This program's success can be linked to the provision of “client-determined need” services in a safe and familiar environment. This setting has promoted spontaneous peer education and wellness behaviors among IDUs. Clients express a sense of partnership in the program and have begun to recruit other drug users to attend and receive services.
AW is a relatively small, unique facility that can only accommodate small groups; however, the forced size limitation has actually worked in favor of the program and several phenomena have been noted in the 8 months since the clinics began. One notable unanticipated effect has been the overall reduction in the secrecy and stigma attached to hepatitis infection. With limited group sizes, participants have expressed feelings of trust and an increased willingness to share personal experiences in a group setting.
See more of Poster Session #2
See more of The 2005 National Viral Hepatitis Prevention Conference