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Learning Objective:
Learning Objectives: By the end of the presentation participants will be able to:
1. Describe a mobile model that (a) assesses immunization and screening history for viral hepatitis, and (b) delivers viral hepatitis prevention education, vaccine distribution, and referral for specialty care to Needle Exchange Program (NEP) participants.
2. Discuss innovative strategies that maximize resources for active injection drug users at risk for or living with viral hepatitis in a climate of fiscal constraint.
Background:
Background:
This project is an initiative involving Needle Exchange Program (NEP) staff, nursing students, and faculty to prevent illness due to viral hepatitis. Involvement of health departments and an academic institution have been integral to model development and implementation.
Setting:
Setting:
The settings include urban neighborhoods in Boston and Cambridge, MA where syringe exchange is conducted.
Population e.g. API Youth, MSM, IDU:
Population:
The population includes clients from an NEP (e.g., active injection drug users with co-morbid mental illness, homelessness, viral hepatitis, and/or HIV infection).
Project Description:
Project Description:
This project provides clients accessing an NEP with viral hepatitis prevention education, vaccines, and referral services for specialty care which may be difficult to access through traditional venues. Services are provided weekly by senior nursing students and faculty. Clients are engaged through street outreach and a mobile health van utilizing a harm reduction philosophy. Clients past histories of screening and immunizations for viral hepatitis are assessed. Food incentives are offered to promote client participation.
Results/Lessons Learned:
Results/Lessons Learned:
This initiative has provided experiential learning for students through collaborative efforts while delivering a viral hepatitis prevention and education program to NEP clients. State and municipal health departments in collaboration with academic institutions may consider this model as a way to maximize resources for underserved clients in an environment of fiscal constraint to meet the needs of emerging and underserved populations at risk for and living with viral hepatitis.
See more of B4 - Enhancing Hepatitis C Prevention in Syringe Exchange Programs
See more of The 2005 National Viral Hepatitis Prevention Conference