IF ALL ELSE FAILS: HOW TO CORRECTLY CLEAN A SYRINGE

 NEVER REUSE SYRINGES!!!

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HIV can survive in a used syringe for up to 42 days, depending on temperature and other factors(CDC, 2020). 

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  If you only have one syringe for whatever reason then these steps must be followed before reusing the syringe and there are no exceptions.
• If surfaces and cookers are not cleaned properly, HepC can still remain on the surfaces even if there is no visible blood. 

Supplies You Need 

1. Three clean containers. cups bowls jars...etc
2. Clean water
3. Bleach

https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/pdf/library/pocket-guides/cdc-hiv-pocket-guide-cleaning-syringes.pdf

Steps You Need to Follow

1. Wash your hands
2. Fill one cup with bleach and two cups with clean water.
1. label cups 
1. Cup A is clean water
2. Cup B is bleach
3. Cup C is clean water 
3. From Cup A which is clean water, fill the syringe with the clean water
4. Shake or tap the syringe for thirty seconds.
5. Squirt out the water from the syringe, but do not squirt the water back into one of the cups
6. Repeat steps 3, 4, and 5 until you cannot see any blood in the water. It is not uncommon to have to repeat steps 3,4, and 5 a few times.
7. Now that the syringe is empty fill the syringe up with bleach from cup B
8. Tap or shake the syringe that has bleach in it for thirty seconds.
9. Squirt the bleach out of the syringe, but do not squirt the bleach back into any of the cups
10. Now fill the syringe with the clean water from cup C
11. Tap or shake the syringe for thirty seconds
12. And finally, squirt the water out of the syringe.

HCV is one of the most common bloodborne pathogens in the United States. It is highly infectious and can survive on dry surfaces and equipment for up to 6 weeks, resulting in a longer period for potential transmission than for other bloodborne pathogens (Viral Hepatitis Surveillance and Case Management - Hepatitis c | CDC, 2023).  

 

References 

 

CDC. (2020, November 3). HIV and Injection Drug Use | HIV Transmission | HIV Basics | HIV/AIDS | CDC. Www.cdc.gov. https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/hiv-transmission/injection-drug-use.html

‌ To clean a syringe correctly, you must do all nine steps: 3 A. Rinse with clean water. (n.d.). https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/pdf/library/pocket-guides/cdc-hiv-pocket-guide-cleaning-syringes.pdf

Viral Hepatitis Surveillance and Case Management - Hepatitis C | CDC. (2023, July 18). Www.cdc.gov. https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/statistics/surveillanceguidance/HepatitisC.htm#:~:text=It%20is%20highly%20infectious%20and

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Harm Reduction - Tennessee What You Need to Know

 

Harm Reduction - Tennessee

 What is harm reduction?

Harm reduction is a set of practical, public health strategies designed to reduce potential harms associated with drug use and promote healthy lifestyles and communities. There is no universal definition for harm reduction, but the idea is to ensure there is no judgment about a person’s drug use and sexual activity, meet people where they are in terms of ability and willingness to modify behaviors and elicit positive change based on client-centered goals, needs, circumstances, and readiness to change (Syringe Services Program(SSPs), n.d.). 

 

What are syringe services programs (SSPs)?

SSPs are programs that provide comprehensive harm reduction services. This can include, but is not limited, to sterile needle and injection drug equipment distribution; safe disposal for used needles/syringes; HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing and linkage to care; overdose prevention education and naloxone distribution; referrals to substance use disorder treatment, medical care, mental health providers, and social services; and other tools to prevent acquisition of bloodborne pathogens and sexually transmitted infections (STIs)  (Syringe Services Program(SSPs), n.d.). 

What are the legal authorities for SSPs in Tennessee?

Per §T.C.A. Title 68, Chapter 1 non-governmental organizations and local health departments in partnership with county government may operate a syringe services program after approval by the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH)  (Syringe Services Program(SSPs), n.d.). 

Does the law include zoning requirements in the legislation for SSP locations?

Yes, the law requires SSPs to be located at least 1,000 feet from any school or public park. However, there is an exception where it has to be at least 2,000 feet from a school or public park in municipalities with a population between 55,440-55,450 (Syringe Services Program(SSPs), n.d.).  

What services are Tennessee SSPs required to provide?

By law, SSPs are required to provide the following services:

1. Distribution of unused needles/syringes and injection drug equipment at no cost
2. Collection and safe disposal of used needles/syringes and injection drug equipment
3. Education on prevention of overdoses, bloodborne pathogens, and drug misuse as well as treatment for mental illness and substance use disorder
4. Referral to mental health and substance use disorder treatment to individuals who request it
5. Referral to or direct provision of naloxone
6. Referral to or direct provision of HIV and hepatitis C testing

Who can visit an SSP?

Anyone can visit an SSP. SSPs are built on the harm reduction model, which offers support and resources to those who may need them. The following people might visit an SSP:

1. Persons who use drugs (PWUD), including persons who inject drugs (PWID)
2. People who are on opioid pain management treatment and would like naloxone
3. People who engage in commercial sex work
4. People requesting safer sex supplies and HIV and hepatitis C testing
5. People who use syringes to administer prescribed medications (i.e., insulin) or non-prescribed medications (hormones and/or steroids)
6. Family and friends of someone who injects drugs and would benefit from naloxone
7. Persons seeking naloxone or overdose prevention education
8. Persons seeking information on the prevention of bloodborne pathogens and/or sexually transmitted infections

               

*Operating hours for syringe service programs are subject to change. Please contact the agency listed for more information.

 

References

 Syringe Services Program(SSPs). (n.d.). Www.tn.gov. https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/std/std/syringe-services-program.html

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 How Our Boundaries Illuminate Red Flags 

Our boundaries are our personal limits. They define what we are and are not willing to do, and they help us to protect our physical, emotional, and mental health. When we set boundaries, we are communicating our needs and expectations to others. 

When we set boundaries, we may sometimes encounter red flags. Red flags are warning signs that someone may not be respecting our boundaries or that they may be a toxic person. Here are some examples of red flags that may be illuminated by our boundaries: 

Disrespect:

 If someone tries to pressure us to do something we are not comfortable with, or if they dismiss our boundaries, this is a red flag. 

Controlling behavior:

If someone tries to control our time, our money, or our relationships, this is a red flag. 

Jealousy:

 If someone is overly jealous of our friends, family, or other relationships, this is a red flag. 

Blaming: 

If someone blames us for their own problems, or if they make us feel guilty for setting boundaries, this is a red flag. 

Threats: 

If someone threatens to harm us or themselves if we don't do what they want, this is a red flag. 

If we encounter red flags, it is important to trust our gut instinct and to take steps to protect ourselves. We may need to set stricter boundaries, or we may need to end the relationship altogether. 

It is also important to remember that we are not responsible for other people's behavior. If someone is not respecting our boundaries, it is not our fault. We deserve to be treated with respect, and we should not tolerate any form of abuse. 

Setting boundaries and recognizing red flags is an important part of self-care. It can help us to protect our physical, emotional, and mental health. If we are struggling to set boundaries or to recognize red flags, ​it may be helpful to seek professional help. A​ ​therapist can teach​ us how to set healthy boundaries and how to deal with toxic people. 

Here are some additional tips for setting boundaries and recognizing red flags: 

1. Be clear and direct about your boundaries. 
   
2. Be consistent in enforcing your boundaries. 
3. Don't be afraid to say no. 
4. Trust your gut instinct. 

Remember, you deserve to be treated with respect. Don't let anyone violate your boundaries or make you feel unsafe. 

How We Manifest Things and How Crystals Are Formed

 How We Manifest Things and How Crystals Are Formed 

In both manifestation and crystal formation, there is a process of attraction and alignment. When we manifest something, we are attracting it into our lives by focusing on it with intention. Crystals also form through a process of attraction and alignment, as they are created when minerals are attracted to and aligned with each other. 

In manifestation, we can increase our chances of success by creating ​a clear vision of​ what we ​want to achieve​. We can also use tools such as visualization, affirmations, and meditation to help us focus our intention.  

The process of crystal formation is also a process of alignment. The minerals that form crystals are attracted to each other because they have similar energetic properties. As the minerals align with each other, they form a crystal structure. 

In a similar way, when we manifest something, we are aligning ourselves with the energy of our desire. When we are aligned with our desires, we are more likely to attract them into our lives. 

Manifestation and crystal formation are both powerful processes that can help us to create the lives we desire. By understanding these processes and using them to our advantage, we can increase our chances of success.

 

Here are some additional thoughts on the connection between manifestation and crystal formation: 

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1. The process of crystal formation is a reminder that we can create anything we set our minds to. 
2. Manifestation is a journey, not a destination. It is a process of continually aligning ourselves with our desires and taking action towards them. 

References

 12.7: Types of Crystalline Solids- Molecular, Ionic, and Atomic. (2018, May 20). Libretexts. https://chem.libretexts.org/Courses/College_of_Marin/CHEM_114%3A_Introductory_Chemistry/12%3A_Liquids%2C_Solids%2C_and_Intermolecular_Forces/12.07%3A_Types_of_Crystalline_Solids-_Molecular%2C_Ionic%2C_and_Atomic ‌