CGR Gathers Input on Needs of People who Use Drugs
Trillium Health engaged CGR to understand the needs and perspectives of people who use drugs to inform strategic planning and future programming. Trillium provides medical care and operates a harm reduction program providing walk-in HIV, Hepatitis C and sexually transmitted infection testing, safe supplies such as needles and NARCAN, and connections to basic needs and other support services. CGR held focus groups and surveyed people who use drugs, interviewed community stakeholders and created an interactive map of drug-use indicators to inform decisions about the location and types of possible future services.
Participants reported that drugs are increasingly dangerous due to sellers lacing supplies with substances such as Fentanyl and Xylazine. Challenges include meeting basic needs; navigating language barriers; and accessing mental health, medication-assisted treatment, and any services after business hours and on weekends. Project participants would like to see more consistent outreach, more information about laced substances and more needle drop boxes. Participants generally supported an overdose prevention center, where people could go to use drugs under supervision. Transportation and stigma are major barriers to accessing health care regularly, and participants desired a non-judgmental, welcoming environment ideally with medical staff with personal addiction experience.
Learn more:
- Access the complete report at: https://bit.ly/TrilliumHealthNeedsAssessment
- View the interactive map here: https://bit.ly/TrilliumHealthMap
- To discuss further, please contact Alice Carle.
August 28, 2024 CGR Briefs Edition