A program now available at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Danville is also available around the state; at VA Illiana Health Care out patient centers in Springfield, Bloomington, Peoria, Mattoon, and Decatur.
It’s called a Syringe Services Program. And as VA Clinical Pharmacist Dr. Beth Dinges recently explained to Laura Williams, on 1490 WDAN’s Community Connection program, the idea here is to set aside any stigma about drug addiction and get Veteran patients the help they need, wherever they may be when it comes to drug addiction; such as with heroin, opioids, and fentanyl. Because the simple fact is, some may not be ready for treatment, or to make a major change in their life. But still, it’s important to keep them safe, and protect their friends they may be using with. The main purpose of a Syringe Services Program, Dr. Dinges says, is “harm reduction.”
AUDIO: Drug addiction is probably the most stigmatized medical condition we have out there. And we treat it so differently than any other medical condition. Our point is, maybe those who aren’t necessarily ready for treatment or event interested in abstinence at the moment; that we’re still giving them tools to protect themselves. That they’re not out there on their own.
VA Illiana Health Care system director Dr. Staci Williams says participating in this program can give Veterans a pathway to so many other services they might need. Or in the drug addiction world, access to test strips, which indicate the presence of the extremely dangerous fentanyl; or naloxone, which is a nose spray drug that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, and can save a person’s life.
AUDIO: If they talk to their primary care provider or talk to their social worker, or talk to the pharmacist when they may be picking up a prescription for a medication; and they say “I need help to get in touch with this program.” Some who’s abusing drugs may also be at risk, for example, for homelessness.
One good place to start getting the linkage to these services is to call the VA’s Homeless Veterans Program and More number at 217-554-4506. The Veterans Crisis Line is also available by dialing 988, and then pressing one.
To listen to Laura Williams’ entire interview with Dr. Stacy Williams and Dr. Beth Dinges; please go to https://vermilioncountyfirst.com/the-community-connection/
