Publications by authors named "Shawn Balleydier"
Were Needles Everywhere?: Differing Views on Syringe Waste and Disposal Associated With Needs-Based Syringe Services Programs Among Community Partners and Persons Who Inject Drugs.
Subst Use Misuse
April 2024
Article Synopsis
- Community concerns about syringe waste hindered the implementation of syringe services programs (SSPs) in Kanawha County, West Virginia, especially during an HIV outbreak among people who inject drugs (PWID).
- A qualitative analysis involving interviews with 26 PWID and 45 community partners revealed mixed opinions on syringe waste, where some believed SSPs did not contribute to waste, while others argued they increased it.
- The differing perceptions among community partners, including medical professionals and law enforcement, created challenges in discussing and supporting SSPs, highlighting the need for improved syringe disposal methods and community engagement to reduce stigma and address waste concerns.
In response to an increase in HIV diagnoses among persons who inject drugs (PWID) in Kanawha County, West Virginia, West Virginia Bureau for Public Health and CDC conducted a qualitative assessment in Kanawha County to inform HIV outbreak response activities. Interviews with 26 PWID and 45 community partners were completed. Transcribed interviews were analyzed to identify barriers to accessing HIV prevention services among PWID using the risk environment framework.
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- - In October 2019, the West Virginia Bureau for Public Health reported a rise in HIV diagnoses among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Kanawha County, increasing from less than five cases annually in 2016-2018 to 11 cases within the first ten months of 2019.
- - Kanawha County, with around 180,000 residents, faces significant challenges with opioid use disorder and related overdose deaths, and is located near Cabell County, which had a significant HIV outbreak in 2018-2019.
- - In response to the spike in HIV cases, WVBPH issued a Health Advisory, formed an HIV task force with the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department
Introduction: In January 2019, the West Virginia Bureau for Public Health detected increased HIV diagnoses among people who inject drugs in Cabell County. Responding to HIV clusters and outbreaks is 1 of the 4 pillars of the Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S.
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