Appalachian District Health Department's Peer Support Program will maintain or expand one or more syringe services programs (SSPs) through a host organization, Olive Branch Ministries, that has experience working with people directly impacted by drug use. Syringe services programs (SSPs) are community-based prevention programs that can provide a range of services, including linkage to substance use disorder treatment; access to and disposal of sterile syringes and injection equipment; and vaccination, testing, and linkage to care and treatment for infectious diseases. The PSS Program will also continue to work with justice-involved individuals and their family members, conduct Narcan and harm reduction trainings, and advocate for more harm reduction, recovery and prevention services. 

Source: CDC

Any person who uses drugs and their family members, or newly in or seeking recovery. 

SSPs protect the public and first responders by facilitating the safe disposal of used needles and syringes. Providing testing, counseling, and sterile injection supplies also helps prevent outbreaks of other diseases. Nearly thirty years of research shows that comprehensive SSPs are safe, effective, and cost-saving, do not increase illegal drug use or crime, and play an important role in reducing the transmission of viral hepatitis, HIV and other infections.

Source: CDC

Through the Vital Strategies opioid settlement matching grant, AppHealthCare has been able to sustain the essential work of the peer support program, as well as the Post Overdose Response Team (PORT). While PORT is not without it's challenges, we are grateful for opportunities to continue to collaborate with Ashe Medics Community Paramedic Program and Ashe Memorial Hospital to provide direct service to community members who have experienced an overdose.