Distribution of Harm Reduction Kits in a Specialty HIV Hospital

Am J Public Health. 2018 Oct;108(10):1363-1365. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2018.304600. Epub 2018 Aug 23.

Abstract

Casey House, a small Toronto, Ontario, hospital for people living with HIV, implemented a harm-reduction kit distribution program in October 2014 to decrease harms from reuse of injection and smoking equipment among its clients-inpatients and outpatients. Program statistics (November 2014-June 2017) show an increase in the number of kits-injection and smoking-distributed each year. The program is perceived by staff to communicate openness and increased willingness of clinicians and clients to discuss drug-related harms.

MeSH terms

  • Crack Cocaine
  • Equipment and Supplies / supply & distribution*
  • HIV Infections / nursing*
  • Harm Reduction*
  • Health Services Accessibility
  • Hospitals, Special*
  • Humans
  • Needles*
  • Ontario
  • Refuse Disposal
  • Smoking*
  • Sterilization / methods*

Substances

  • Crack Cocaine