The hard truth is that drugs exist in our world and individuals will do what they must to obtain the supplies they need to treat a bad habit. Prior to the class presentation I did not have a negative preconception with the needle exchange program. Having addiction in my family has helped me understand that these individuals will use no matter what, so why not help them do it safely? With the needle exchange program, we can help reduce the risk of further complications such as hepatitis, endocarditis, and more. This presentation supported what I believe about helping individuals of this population. As nurses we cannot make anyone change their habits, but we can help them be safe while doing so. I think it is important to remember that substance use is a disease and a lot of these individuals do wish this was not their life. Rather than judging them for their behaviors we can guide them through programs such as the needle exchange program. 

Strategies around awareness and prevention could aid in decreasing healthcare disparities to this population. Prevention strategies such as vaccinations, help lines, walk in clinics, mental health help and needle exchange programs. There is not a lot of awareness around this topic, it is often frowned upon. I believe this a big part of the bias around this population. I think it is also important for the nurse to notice when a patient is crying out for help. Knowing when to get a patient mental health help and knowing various interprofessional providers. If as nurses, we expand the awareness around substance use as a whole we can offer more help to this population. 

I will apply what I learned in today’s presentation by being an advocate for this population. I feel as these individuals often feel as they do not have a voice and that health care professionals do not support or advocate for them. I can work interprofessional with social work, pharmacy and providers to create a care plan specific to my patient that makes them feel supported and receive fair treatment from everyone on the healthcare team.