Homeless Persons Memorial Day: The Longest Night of the Year

December 21, Winter Solstice - The wet sky over Salvation Army's Berberian Shelter did not dampen the spirit of the occasion as people from all walks of life gathered to remember those who died on the streets in 2009. Wonderful entertainment flowed all evening from Downey High School's Knightengales, Nick McClellan, and Joseph Hamilton. The shelter buzzed as folks hustled through intake and got settled while volunteers prepared for the distribution of blankets, clothing and shoes, and from CHS volunteers, bags that included things like toothbrushes, razors, and deodorant. Off the Streets folks handed out almost 100 blankets collected during the blanket drive, some plastic bags, and United Way 2-1-1 reference cards. Harm reduction materials about Amphetamines and Hepatitis C were also available.

It was so wonderful seeing these young people interact with others in this way without any hesitation! They really jumped right in and in turn walked away from this experience, I believe, seeing through new eyes. Pretty cool. And although some of our young people were not able to attend the event, their hard work collecting and preparing the blankets beforehand is just as important! This was truly a team effort! By the end of the distribution, many people were provided with much needed support resources. You just don't know how important the simple things are until you don't have them.

After music and refreshments, the candlelight vigil quietly memorialized those who died on the streets this year. The names of those known to have passed scrolled projecting on the shelter's wall, while a last minute volunteer played her flute softly and two students read the names aloud. The event closed with a stirring rendition of "Temporary Home" performed by Samantha Meroney. Just beautiful.

This is the 4th year of the HPMD with this group, but the first time being held at Salvation Army. Organizers and volunteers plan to meet regularly throughout 2010 to tighten up the logistics for next year at this location. This year's event was sponsored by Behavioral Health & Recovery Services and Golden Valley Health Center. If you would like to get involved, donate items, or sit on the planning committee contact Kimberlee Hamilton at khamilto@stancounty.com.

Benefit Show in Fresno Rolls On Despite Wet Weather

Rain kept the gathering small, but about 20-30 people showed up to enjoy the Modesto Needle Exchange Legal Defense Fund Benefit Show on December 12. Performers included Watercolor Paintings, Johnny Young, Fern, and Taylor Price. Fresno Needle Exchange volunteer and California Prison Moratorium Project organizer Ashley Fairburn spoke on behalf of the Modesto Needle Exchange defendants. Fairburn spoke about the well-documented effectiveness of syringe exchange in reducing the costly spread of HIV and Hepatitis C, both prevalent in the Central Valley, and connecting those who use drugs to treatment services. She also spoke about the criminalization of the Modesto volunteers' public health interventions in Stanislaus County, and the ongoing failures of the Drug War, citing several examples from both here and abroad. About $112 was raised and great discussions about the efficacy of syringe exchange were had.

Thank you to the organizers, performers and attendees - and all supporters of needle exchange programs, harm reduction approaches, and using facts over politics.

Off the Streets Youth Volunteers Collecting Blankets Until Dec. 17!

The Blanket Drive is off to a great start! A lot of people are stepping up and joining in the effort. Roosevelt Junior High School will offer CJSF community service hours for students who volunteer, and it was also confirmed today that blankets collected by the youth will be shared at an annual event honoring those who have died on the streets of Stanislaus County this year. It will be a wonderful learning opportunity for our young people to be involved in this way!

The Homeless Persons' Memorial Day will be held this year on December 21 at the Salvation Army on D Street in Downtown Modesto. I will post a flyer when I receive one. There will be entertainment, refreshments, information, and a candlelight vigil. Off the Streets will also be doing some outreach and tabling educational resources. The event starts at 5:30.

Benefit Show in Fresno December 12 @ 7PM!!!

Thanks Ashley!!!

World AIDS Day 2009: The War on Drugs is NOT WORKING

(December 1, 2009, London) - Governments worldwide should take urgent action to reform punitive drug laws, disproportionate penalties, and harsh and discriminatory law enforcement practices as part of their efforts to address HIV among people who use drugs, Human Rights Watch and the International Harm Reduction Association said today, World AIDS Day. Current policies also cause needless suffering among people living with HIV/AIDS, the two groups said in a joint briefing note released today.

International health and drug control agencies - including the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, UNAIDS, UNICEF, the United Nations Development Program, and the World Health Organization - all endorse comprehensive harm reduction services as the best ways to address HIV among people who use drugs, including those in detention. These services include needle and syringe exchange, medication-assisted therapy (for example, with methadone), and peer outreach and education programs. Notwithstanding broad endorsement and overwhelming scientific evidence that these approaches work, they are out of reach for the vast majority of people who need them.

• For the complete story posted on the Human Rights Watch website click here.

*Event* Community BBQ, Training, & Clean-Up Nov 29 @ Mellis Park

Off the Streets Project is working in collaboration with Modesto Brown Berets and will be out in the community cleaning up, reaching out, and working together to make a difference. Check it out:

• Sunday November 29, 1pm-5pm
• @ Mellis Park in Modesto
• BBQ, Free Music, Open Mic
• Know Your Rights Info & Training
• Used Needle and Trash Clean-Up

Please come out and join us! It promises to be a great afternoon.

Props to Tom and Bianca of MBB for organizing this event...

Need More Convincing? Read "The Needle Nexus"

New York Times Magazine, November 17, 2009 - Needle exchange is AIDS prevention that works. While no one wants to have to put on a condom, every drug user prefers injecting with a clean needle. In 2003, an academic review of 99 cities around the world found:

• cities with needle exchange saw their H.I.V. rates among injecting drug users drop 19 percent a year.
• cities without needle exchange had an 8 percent increase per year.

Contrary to popular fears, needle exchange has not led to more drug use or higher crime rates. Studies have also found that drug addicts participating in needle ­exchanges are more likely to enter rehabilitation programs. Using needle exchange as part of a comprehensive attack on H.I.V. is endorsed by virtually every relevant United Nations and United States-government agency.

Drug injectors don’t pass infection only among themselves. Through their sex partners, H.I.V. is spread into the general population. In many countries, the H.I.V. epidemic began among drug injectors. In Russia in 2000, for example, needle-sharing was directly responsible for more than 95 percent of all cases of H.I.V. infection. So virtually all those with H.I.V. in Russia can trace their infection to a shared needle not many generations back. Though it has been scorned as special treatment for a despised population, AIDS prevention for drug users is in fact crucial to preventing a wider epidemic.

Read the complete story in The New York Times Magazine here.

A Clean Syringe Costs Just Pennies ... Literally

In 2007 the budget for Fresno Needle Exchange was $47,000 - and was 100% funded by grants and donations.

No taxpayer money was used to run this program. None. Zero. Zilch.

But on the flipside, how much money do you think this program has saved in lives, suffering, and public dollars over the 15 years it has been in existence? Is it even calculable? Doesn't Mastercard refer to that as "Priceless"?

*VIDEO* "The Risks of the Job: Protecting Law Enforcement from Needle Stick Injury"

It is an important message for Off the Streets to share that NEEDLE EXCHANGE PROGRAMS HELP PROTECT LAW ENFORCEMENT! It is an indisputable fact that services provided at syringe exchange programs are directly in line with supporting the safety of our officers working the streets. We want all members of our community to be safe from dangerous and sometimes deadly health risks that can be prevented.

• Read this October 2009 fact sheet from the Foundation for AIDS Research. Something notable that was omitted from this fact sheet is that many SEPs also offer personal size sharps containers for users to store their used syringes. If syringes are properly contained, not only does California law then protect someone carrying them, law enforcement is further protected from needle stick injuries.

• Click here to be connected to the video "The Risks of the Job: Protecting Law Enforcement from Needle Stick Injury," produced by Gretchen Hildebrand. THIS IS AN EXCELLENT VIDEO! PLEASE WATCH!

• Off the Streets' DVD copy of "Risks of the Job" is available for lending to the community or it can be viewed with Off the Streets volunteers, accompanied with other supplemental resources, and/or can be part of a larger training series. For more information contact us at offthestreetsproject@yahoo.com.

In this short video, "The Risks of the Job" shows:

• How law enforcement officers can avoid needle sticks in the field
• How officers can protect themselves when needle sticks occur
• How Syringe Exchange Programs are helping communities and law enforcement officers stay safer

CA State Office of AIDS: Surviving 80% Budget Cuts

The Office of AIDS (OA) has lead responsibility for coordinating state programs, services, and activities relating to HIV/AIDS.

Although recent budget cuts have been traumatic to say the least, the Office of AIDS remains an extremely valuable resource for all educators, students, public health advocates, community members, syringe exchange programs, and communities still struggling to become authorized.

• Click here to visit their website. The site offers a variety of information including links to many other valuable resources.

A Healthy Relationship with Law Enforcement: The Missing Link

The importance of furthering our discussion about the relationship with law enforcement is one that cannot be overstated. Up to this point in the syringe access struggle in Stanislaus County, communication between the opposing sides of the issue has been somewhat lacking. While it is still early in the process of unifying our many allies and resources at Off the Streets, it is a pressing short-term goal to begin genuine discussion between the community, experts, and law enforcement officials. We think it is one of the most critical components of work around syringe exchange advocacy - attempting to understand and reach across to everyone at the community's table. While syringe exchange activities have ceased and disease is still spreading, it is more important than ever to make progress toward authorization.

• For starters, read this article on the Huffington Post: "Syringe Exchange and Police: An Alliance in Waiting," by Allan Clear.
• More about the law enforcement component of the syringe exchange issue will come in future posts.

Off the Streets Gains Its First Teen Volunteers! How EXCITING!!!

We are proud to welcome our first two teen volunteers to the Off the Streets family!

They represent both Stanislaus and San Joaquin Counties and are really eager to get to work. The teens will be focusing on media, outreach and education, administrative assistance, and event planning. This is so huge to us here at Off the Streets! As their adult allies, we appreciate their willingness to engage in their community and learn something new. They totally kick and we can't wait to see what they accomplish, not only here at Off the Streets, but in their lives!

All of our teen volunteers are given opportunities to:

• Learn a variety of new skills
• Be exposed to and connected with practical and up to date information, relevant research, other community members and leaders, and a variety of expert-level resources throughout the world
• Collaborate within the community in a variety of ways
• Attend valuable trainings - generally at no cost
• Perhaps most importantly, young people will be encouraged to share their already developed skills and interests in a meaningful way
• And more! The possibilities are endless ... it just depends on who comes out!

Volunteer experiences with Off the Streets also look good on resumes and college applications, and sound good in an interview. We offer really strong volunteer opportunities - plus we have a lot of fun! Seriously, check it out!!!

• If you or a young person you know is interested in finding out more please contact us!!! You won't regret it!!
• offthestreetsproject@yahoo.com
• Become a fan on facebook from this site, in the left hand column. And suggest us to friends!

Cost of Addiction is Staggering: "Solutions" Don't Make Sense

New CASA Report Finds Federal, State and Local Governments Spend Almost Half a Trillion Dollars a Year on Substance Abuse and Addiction

From Join Together - Substance abuse and addiction cost federal, state and local governments at least $467.7 billion in 2005, according to Shoveling Up II: The Impact of Substance Abuse on Federal, State and Local Budgets, a new 287-page report released today by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University.

The CASA report found that of $373.9 billion in federal and state spending, 95.6 percent ($357.4 billion) went to shovel up the consequences and human wreckage of substance abuse and addiction; only 1.9 percent went to prevention and treatment, 0.4 percent to research, 1.4 percent to taxation and regulation, and 0.7 percent to interdiction.

*Only 1.9% to prevention and treatment?! It just doesn't make sense! And even worse, those in the prevention field know that of that meager 1.9%, verrry little is left for prevention .... waay little. I really wish I had that statistic at my fingertips actually.

The report, based on three years of research and analysis, is the first ever to assess the costs of tobacco, alcohol and illegal and prescription drug abuse to all levels of government. The report found that the largest amount of federal and state government spending on the burden of substance abuse and addiction -- $207.2 billion, or 58 percent -- was for health care (74.1 percent of the federal burden).

*When I read a report like this, it makes me even more certain that a syringe exchange program is a necessary tool. SEPs should always be considered in the conversation of effective, efficient options for dealing with the impact of substance abuse and addiction. Especially in specific areas of the country. We are desperate here for this kind of social service and until more people know it, believe it and act on it, the impact will worsen every day.

For the complete story and to be linked to the CASA report, visit Join Together here.

**** Note: Join Together is a good resource for up to date information on a variety of drug and alcohol topics. Their sources come from all over and offer a wide variety of research portals.

Harm Reduction 101: The Foundation of Syringe Exchange

From the Harm Reduction Coalition:

Principles of Harm Reduction

Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies that reduce negative consequences of drug use, incorporating a spectrum of strategies from safer use, to managed use to abstinence. Harm reduction strategies meet drug users "where they're at," addressing conditions of use along with the use itself.

Because harm reduction demands that interventions and policies designed to serve drug users reflect specific individual and community needs, there is no universal definition of or formula for implementing harm reduction. However, HRC considers the following principles central to harm reduction practice.

• Accepts, for better and for worse, that licit and illicit drug use is part of our world and chooses to work to minimize its harmful effects rather than simply ignore or condemn them.
• Understands drug use as a complex, multi-faceted phenomenon that encompasses a continuum of behaviors from severe abuse to total abstinence, and acknowledges that some ways of using drugs are clearly safer than others.
• Establishes quality of individual and community life and well-being--not necessarily cessation of all drug use--as the criteria for successful interventions and policies.
• Calls for the non-judgmental, non-coercive provision of services and resources to people who use drugs and the communities in which they live in order to assist them in reducing attendant harm.
• Ensures that drug users and those with a history of drug use routinely have a real voice in the creation of programs and policies designed to serve them.
• Affirms drugs users themselves as the primary agents of reducing the harms of their drug use, and seeks to empower users to share information and support each other in strategies which meet their actual conditions of use.
• Recognizes that the realities of poverty, class, racism, social isolation, past trauma, sex-based discrimination and other social inequalities affect both people's vulnerability to and capacity for effectively dealing with drug-related harm.
• Does not attempt to minimize or ignore the real and tragic harm and danger associated with licit and illicit drug use.

The Harm Reduction Coalition has a ridiculous amount of resources and a very comprehensive website. If you want to learn more, start there.

Women Who Shoot Meth

From the Journal of Urban Health, May 2006 - Methamphetamine (MA) use is on the rise in the United States, with many cities reporting increases of 100% or more in MA-related Emergency Department (ED) mentions. Women are keeping pace with this trend: in 2003, 40% of ED mentions and 45% of MA-related treatment admissions were female.

This paper examines female methamphetamine injectors in San Francisco, CA, from 2003–2005. We assessed sexual and injection related risk behaviors, comparing female MA injectors to female injectors of other drugs. We also examined whether MA use was independently associated with specific sexual and injection risk behaviors. We found that female MA injectors were significantly more likely than non-MA injectors to report unprotected anal intercourse, multiple sexual partners, receptive syringe sharing and sharing of syringes with more than one person in the past six months.

• To read the complete paper "Sexual and Injection Risk among Women who Inject Methamphetamine in San Francisco" in the Journal of Urban Health, click here.

• The State of California Department of Public Health's Office of AIDS created a very informative fact sheet about sex and IDUs titled "Injection Drug Users and Their Sex/Needle-Sharing Partners." Click here to be linked to this information.

Central Valley Injection Drug Epidemic: WE'RE #1!!!

NEW YORK-A study published in the Journal of Urban Health (Sept. 2, 2004) indicates that rates of injection drug use in California’s Central Valley are among the nation’s highest. Researchers concluded that Fresno has the highest number of users of illegal injection drugs per capita of any large U.S. metropolitan area, above second-place Baltimore. To read the complete article on the Drug Policy Alliance Network website, click here.

Drug Use Doesn't Know County Lines: From Modesto to Alameda County

The lack of authorization in Stanislaus County doesn't just affect Stanislaus County. I found the link below in my research and followed up by having the information confirmed with a couple of reliable sources in Alameda County. We were also provided with some very valuable support data that reflects exactly how much strain Modestans place on Alameda County services. Sure serves as a reminder that we don't live in a bubble ... gee, imagine that. From the Alameda County Board of Supervisors' Health Committee meeting , February 23, 2004:

• When asked by Supervisor Carson how many people the HEPAC program in Alameda serves weekly, Executive Director Joy Rucker answered: "Approximately 5000 people use a wide variety of services, including HIV and Hepatitis C testing, abscess wound care and acupuncture. A large number of clients are served from Modesto, CA for needle exchange because there are no exchange services in (Stanislaus) County."
• For the complete report, see the Alameda County BOS Health Committee Summary Action Minutes .

Morning Mayor Radio Show: Sabatino "Proud" of Mono Park Volunteers

If former Modesto Mayor and local businessman Carmen Sabatino is talkin' about you on the Morning Mayor Radio Show then something must really be going on. I accidentally found this online digging around late last night on the Hive (the ridiculously frustrating and far too often abusive Modesto Bee blog). It was unexpectedly entertaining to listen to Carmen and his guests talking about the situation with which we at Off the Streets are all so familiar. The original airdate of this episode was October 26, 2009 on 106.1, the day after the first Modesto Bee article. The syringe exchange case and the Modesto Bee write up are basically discussed the whole first part of the show and it is a pretty good chunk of time! I mean, I can't tell you who really listens to the show, but let me tell you what, Carmen was all over this!! I don't know why it matters that Carmen is proud of the volunteers, but for some reason it does. An ally is an ally is an ally. Not only that, but the feedback on the show, the questions posed, and their reactions to the article were actually kinda refreshing. And Carmen gets it. He may not be the most well-versed radio host but, for the most part, he really does get it. Thanks Carmen, Mike, and Jenni. We need as many voices as possible speaking for not only the volunteers as defendants, but for authorization in Stanislaus County. Check out the Oct. 26th show here from their archives on the Morning Mayor website. Gotta appreciate any kind of alternative media that takes interest in what we've got going on.

Tell Us Something, Anything.... We're Listening!!!

One of the most important things to come from the work of Off the Streets is the valuable 'snapshot' we will be able to formulate of Stanislaus County. We intend to take away wonderful insight over time as we continually learn more and more about various aspects of the community, our issues, and the unique people who exist here.

A critical aspect of this journey we are on at Off the Streets is talking directly with people about their life experiences. People from all over - not just drug users and treatment professionals. So many others have so much to say. We are finding that folks just want the chance to talk for a minute (or write, or draw, or sing!). If you want to share it, we want to hear it (or see it)! We want to know your side - things you have felt, heard, or seen, people you know (names omitted), how you have been affected or have seen others affected. It could be insight from your job, or your neighborhood, within your family or from within yourself. Anything at all you have to offer and feel comfortable sharing is valuable to the Off the Streets team's complete understanding of the circumstances in Stanislaus County. We really do need you. Some of you may even be interested in speaking engagements or telling your story to young people - we can arrange that too - just let us know!

Send us an email for more information if you are interested in sharing with us! We would love the opportunity to learn from you. It is a key piece of the puzzle actually. Sure, we at Off the Streets are here to educate and promote awareness for others - but you have something real to offer us too and we value that chance to hear from you firsthand. The more we can all learn from each other the better. Don't you agree??

For more details, please contact us at offthestreetsproject@yahoo.com!!!

The Civil Grand Jury Report: The First Big Step

The steps leading up to today are many - but perhaps one of the biggest leaps was the 2007-2008 Civil Grand Jury report recommending syringe exchange as a viable (& necessary) prevention option for Stanislaus County. As many of us already know, the vote before the BOS went against public health and social service recommendations 4-0. As it turned out, the Supervisors sided with the weak arguments and unsupported testimonies of law enforcement, ignoring the common sense, experienced, and realistic arguments of those in the know. So we move forward .... one step at a time ..........

• To read the complete 2007-2008 report from the Stanislaus County Civil Grand Jury, click here. Some attachments are missing but can be obtained from the Grand Jury office at (209) 558-7766
• To read the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors' response, click here.

To read some of the write-ups in the Modesto Bee during this period, click below:

• July 2, 2008 by Adam Ashton
• July 11, 2008 Letter to the Editor (Against syringe exchange)
• July 19, 2008 Letter to the Editor
• September 17, 2008 by Tim Moran
• Click here and scroll down to page 4 for a Letter to the Editor of the Bee from former Civil Grand juror Elizabeth Vencill after the BOS decision (this is no longer in the Bee archive for some reason - I found this link on the HCV advocate website.)

A few interesting tidbits from the Civil Grand Jury Report:

• The direct lifetime cost of one HIV/AIDS patient - $144,000 - $600,000; one Hepatitis C patient - $100,00 (if a liver transplant is needed add an additional $300,000)
• These figures do not include some of the social implications of lost wages, disability benefits, unemployment, lost tax revenue and social security benefits. Not to mention all of the other implications ...
• Hepatitis C is the second most frequently transmitted communicable disease in Stanislaus County - called the "Giant in the Closet" by Stanislaus County Health Services Agency
• At least 70% and up to 90% of injection drug users in US have Hep C.
• New cases of Hep C in Stanislaus County were projected at 11.9 per week in 2008.
• 33.4 % of HIV/AIDS cases in Stanislaus County are directly related to injection drug use.
• Syringe exchange programs reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C to law enforcement, health care providers, family members, newborn infants, sexual partners, and uninfected injection drug users.

Using and Reusing and Reusing and Reusing and Reusing and Reusing...

This is a fabulous image of what a needletip looks like after reuse. Imagine that needle goin' in time and time and time again. Some of the syringes we picked up over by Mono were in baaad shape ... can only imagine how many times they were used. The thing is this: the more times a needle is used, the more thrashed it gets, the greater the chances of other problems such as abcesses and vein trauma, the more pressure is put on the system to treat, and the more chances exist for disease to spread. The list of reasons for sterile syringe access goes on.....

How Do We Convince People It Doesn't Glamorize Drug Use?

We are one of but a few places with such a major need for syringe exchange that actually is led by people who believe exchanging needles glamorizes, supports, and increases drug use. It just doesn't make sense to me. On any level. SEPs are also still unauthorized in Colorado. Some of the same reasons are given there as are given here. People are just as confused there are they are here. And the picture of drug use is not that different in Colorado.

• Check out this article in the Denver Westword News - "Why doesn't Colorado get the point of needle exchange programs?". It talks about underground exchange and shares some personal stories - I enjoyed it.
• This article in Go-Go Magazine, "Surviving Heroin", is from 2000, but I found it to be a spectacular read, even if it is a little bit long. Although this was written almost 10 years ago, stuff ain't changin'. And the thing is, both these articles I linked you to from outta Colorado could really be Anywhere, USA. Lord knows it all applies to Stanislaus County, USA.

Letters to the DA: Excerpts Worth Reading

At one point during the pre-trial process the volunteers and their attornies actually thought the DA was going to deal. We of course know now that was never the intention. During a very small window of time in October, letters were requested of supporters to be given to the DA. In a matter of days, over 40 letters were sent to the DA. It was a fabulous show of support! Letters came from within the community, from other SEPs, from health professionals, experts, college professors, Program Directors, from Modesto to Sacramento, Washington DC to Australia. People everywhere are paying attention. Check out some of these excerpts:

• Robert Heimer, Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health at the Yale School of Medicine and the Director of the Interdisciplinary Research Methods Core at the Yale Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS - "Our research studies have demonstrated clear benefits from providing access to sterile syringes, safe disposal of syringes, and direct services and/or referrals for substance abuse treatment, wound care, overdose prevention, HIV testing and follow-up, and other medical and social services. We know that, regardless of whether syringe exchange programs are authorized or not, they provide cost-effective, evidence-based interventions to some of the most marginalized people in the country, for pennies on the public service dollar."
• Thomas A. Helme, Community Member, Stanislaus County Citizen - "In the short 27 years that I have lived I have had the unfortunate experience of having several close family members and friends addicted to drugs and used syringes on a regular basis. A few years ago my uncle was hospitalized with a staff-infection in his heart that was caused by using a dirty needle. Doctors said that he came very close to dying, but luckily pulled through."
• Hilary McQuie, California Director of the Harm Reduction Coalition - "It is puzzling to me that 20 years later, people who are volunteering their time and energy are still getting arrested for helping the most disenfranchised, stigmatized part of our community, those in the throes of drug addiction."
• Dallas Blanchard, Director of the Fresno Needle Exchange - "And finally after 14 years of trying to save lives by doing an underground unauthorized Needle Exchange the Fresno County Board of Supervisors voted to approve our program last year. It is very hard to allow people to die from AIDS and HEP C when there is a cure... harm reduction through education and prevention which is offered during needle exchange services. This is what (they) were doing, working towards authorization and trying to save lives."
• Dr. James M. Cook, Professor of History, CSU, Stanislaus - "The problems associated with dirty needle use among drug users is something we should all be concerned about, and support should be given to any persons willing to do something about it, especially when the problem is all but ignored by government agencies."
• Serenity Griffith, Community Member, Stanislaus County Citizen - "I am a working mother who has lived in the same Modesto neighborhood for the last 29 years. I am a Program Manager for a Day Program for disabled adults in Modesto. I have first hand knowledge of how easily groups of people can be stigmatized without any thought for a solution. I have also had the misfortune of living with a drug addicted parent and know how drug use can affect so many. I believe that until someone can find a way to wipe drugs off the planet, there needs to be safe, cost effective alternatives."

These are just a few of the many wonderful letters we received. Once we have gotten permission from all of the letter writers we will have them archived on our website. Thank you, thank you, thank you to all those who spoke on behalf of the Mono Park volunteers and in favor of syringe exchange for Stanislaus County. The fight starts with you.

If You Don't Believe Us Maybe Someone Else Can Convince You

In case we haven't sold you on it yet, check out what some other pretty reputable people have had to say about syringe exchange.

• Check out this great National Sign On Letter Supporting Syringe Exchange Programs posted on the American Civil Liberties Union website. If you really scroll down through the extensive list of signers it becomes apparent that support comes from a wide variety from across the board.
• I liked this from the Center for Health Improvement.
• Gil Kerlikowski, US Drug Czar and former Seattle Police Chief: "Needle exchange programs have been proven to reduce the transmission of blood borne diseases."
• Conservative writer, George Will in 2002: "Nationwide, the current rate of infection has been reduced from 100,000 people a year to 40,000, largely because of safer sex habits and needle exchange programs."
• Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has testified “From a scientific standpoint...it [syringe exchange] does prevent the spread of HIV infection and does not promote drug use.” He also stated that based on the scientific data “we should seriously, definitely implement needle exchange programs.”
• New York City Republican Mayor Michael Bloomberg promised that he “will continue the practice of exchanging syringes. These programs have been operating in New York City for over ten years. The sky has not fallen. Drug use and drug‑related crime have not gone up. In fact, they've gone down.”
• Other federal public health officials who have voiced support for local syringe exchange programs include former Surgeon General C. Everett Koop and former Health and Human Services Secretary Louis Sullivan

The Board of Supervisors and local city councils will soon have the chance to get it right. The Central Valley is a unique place with unique problems. To honestly think that we are exempt from this conversation about harm reduction and SEPs is irresponsible, ignorant, and vain. We cannot continue on with our blinders on.

If you don't believe us based on what we positively know about Stanislaus County, please listen to someone else. The research is there, the experts are there, the statistics are there, the anecdotal evidence is there, the stories, the people, the professionals, the pressure on the system - it is all there.

So now what are we going to do about it?

Needles on the Streets: What Do You Do?

FREE TRAINING and RESOURCE MATERIALS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST!! Off the Streets Project is committed to promoting public health and safety, including by cleaning up used syringes in our neighborhoods. Members of Off the Streets are trained on and adhere to specific guidelines while attending formal clean-ups. We choose specific areas, go in to the community in teams and while cleaning up, volunteers are also doing outreach and education with neighbors. Upon completion of the clean-up, photographs are taken, the findings are counted and analyzed, and volunteers debrief the day. All pertinent information is saved in an Excel spreadsheet. Some tips for dealing with used syringes:

• Never pick up used syringes with your bare hands. Use care. Always use tongs and sturdy gloves and never touch the needle end - even if it is capped. Wash hands after handling paraphernalia.
• Place used syringes in a puncture-resistant container. Bio-hazard containers are best, but marked hard plastic detergent bottles and metal cans are better than soft-sided containers.
• After collection, used syringes can be taken to the Household Hazardous Waste facility at 1716 Morgan Road in Modesto, Friday and Saturday, 9am - 1pm. Call (209) 525-4123 for details or visit www.co.stanislaus.ca.us/ER/projhhw.htm
• You can also contact Off the Streets Project at offthestreetsproject@yahoo.com for free pick-up.
• IMPORTANT! If you or someone you know is accidentally stuck by a used needle, contact the health department for HIV testing, prevention, and/or immunization against Hepatitis. Call (209) 558-4818 or (800) 834-8171 or visit the county website: www.schsa.org/PublicHealth/programs/pages/immunizationdepartment.html.

Letter to the Bee: "Clean Needles Key for Health"

A letter published in the Modesto Bee on November 11, 2009. It is always interesting to read the comments at the bottom, but sometimes healthier not to ...

Safe Disposal - Why Am I So Confused?

First of all, what are the laws about disposal? In California it is ILLEGAL to throw used syringes in trash cans, recycling bins, in public parks, beaches, etc. (Senate Bill 1306) In Califiornia it is LEGAL to carry used syringes in "proper containers", like plastic Sharps containers or biohazard buckets, for the purpose of safe disposal (California Health & Safety Code 11364b ) But knowing these are the laws doesn't mean it is easy to follow them. Especially in the IDU community. I found this link valuable and interesting in my thought processes about this issue. "A Guide to Syringe Disposal" basically lays out exactly what proper disposal looks like while strongly emphasizing the importance of doing it right. I see this publication as somewhat of an "official" guideline for protecting public health and safety against the dangers of infected syringes. Sooo, that being said, I am more confused than ever. Considering the obvious problem, the blatant and massive issue of unsafe and illegal disposal of (already shared and overused) syringes in more than one, more than 2, more than 10 KNOWN locations throughout Modesto alone, why are we not addressing the problem to the level that it is recommended in the above link? Seems irresponsible to me really. Almost negligent. Actually, no, it's really negligent.

Research Disparity: County Hep C & Injection Drug Use Data Falls Short

Stanislaus County estimates 25-30% of injection drug users have Hepatitis C. But national data reflects 60 - 90% of injection drugs users have Hepatitis C. Hmmmm... if this is the data that the powers that be are relying on for our county we have a problem. Clearly this is not accurate information. Limited data such as this cannot be allowed to be a determining factor in our leaders' decisions around syringe exchange authorization. It is totally ridiculous that data such as this can even be considered close to reliable.

• What does the National Institute of Drug Abuse have to say about IDUs and Hep C? Click here for the first link, and then here for the second.
• For those of you who like research studies, click here for an interesting article about young IDUs.
• Don't know much about Hepatitis? Click here to be connected to the Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. Browse around the site to get their take on syringe access and disposal issues.

There is a ton of information out there. A good place to further your inquiry is through the 'Important Links' section on the lower left column of this blogspot.

Syringe Exchange Struggles in Northern California: Good Read

This is an eye opening write up from Human Rights Watch a few years ago about some syringe exchange challenges in other communities. Some of our friends from Lake, Sacramento, and Alameda are featured here. Amazing people.

District Attorney Forces Trial in a Stand Against Syringe Exchange: Volunteers Back in the News

An update to the Mono Park syringe exchange case printed in today's Modesto Bee Local section. We appreciate the Bee's continued interest in the case. We also really hope they will take their inquiry to the next level at some point in the future and do some really comprehensive pieces about SEPs in the valley. As you will read in the article, part of the DA's new "deal" involves the volunteers agreeing to stay away from Mono Park. Ironically, this was just one day after a ridiculous number of syringes (65+) and other drug parapernalia were cleaned up in the area by Off the Streets volunteers. Seven volunteers spent but an hour and a half over only two blocks to yield these finds. It makes us all wonder how many more we left behind still to be found. The Modesto Bee article also did not mention another key part to the clean up in the Mono Park area which was the community outreach and education component. A volunteer went door to door and spoke to people on the street about the laws, educating their kids, and knowing what to do and who to call if one finds a used syringe. An informational handout was also provided to those living in the area. The Mono Park volunteers were very upset by the District Attorney's offer, turned it down without question, and still remain confused by the whole turn of events. Stay away from Mono Park? It was insulting and sad. Tears from Tribuzio were of disbelief. Off the Streets members are also perplexed. According to one volunteer, "How can you tell people not to help when the need is so great and no one else is doing anything?"

Volunteers who attended the clean-up on Sunday took part in no questionable behavior whatsoever to encourage such a reaction from the DAs office. Neighbors welcomed the volunteers and actually pointed them to specific areas that needed syringes picked up. For the DA to send this message to a group of people who actually care and are doing something positive for the community is disturbing. And for the record, since the Modesto Needle Exchange was shut down by the Sheriff's Department in April no needle exchanging has taken place. Disease continues to spread and will until authorization is realized.

Volunteers Needed - It's a Good Gig!!

What is Off the Streets Project? That is a good question. We are many things! Off the Streets is a volunteer-based action team-slash-think tank-slash-group of community educators, neighborhood beautifiers, health professionals, and experienced social advocates, among other things. We are all very passionate about public health, safety, economic stress, and overall community well-being. Those who have come forward CARE about Stanislaus County, have something to SAY, and want something real to DO to make a difference. The great thing is that there are a lot of really wonderful community members, groups, and organizations involved so far (thanks to all of you!) We are a wide variety of people sitting at this table with unique perspectives and connections brought with us that are extremely valuable to this collaborative process. As a collective we understand that prevention works. We all believe strongly in promoting empowerment, resiliency, and coping skills not only in individuals, but in the circles that support them. And together we are now demanding our leaders to address the serious issues of syringe access and disposal in our community.

Thank you to those who have already stepped up to volunteer!! You can do as much or as little, be as involved as you wish. Some of us will do more than others, many will do little other than cheer us on. That is ok too. Whatever you can do in any way, no matter how big or small is much appreciated. We are so excited for more people to jump on board! The more who speak the louder our voice.

These are some of the areas that volunteers are needed to fill:

• Advocacy
• Research / Needs Assessment
• Identifying Allies
• Clean-Up and Beautification Crews
• Media (Video and Photo) /Web/Graphics/Marketing (Flyers and Brochures), etc
• Artists and Musicians
• Administrative Duties / Meeting Minutes, Coordination
• Community Outreach / Education / Community Engagement Projects
• Presentations / Speaking Engagements
• Letter Writing / Making Phone Calls
• Attending Community Meetings and Special Events / Tabling
• Speaking to the Media
• Event Planning / Fundraising
• ...and other areas that will come up as we go!

We all have unique skills and strengths so if you think you can help in some way just let us know! If you wanna do something, we'll find something for you to do. We have trainings, meetings, and some other really fun stuff coming up so we will keep you posted!

For more information or to get involved PLEASE CONTACT US at offthestreetsproject@yahoo.com or find us on Facebook.

Stanislaus County Syringe Exchange Issue & "Mono Park 2" In the News

I am the kind of person that doesn't always believe what I read. Especially in the newspaper. Even more especially online. I have a keen awareness of the fact that a news article, a special report at 6, or an online news brief can only offer so much of the truth. It's all about perception and spin - and some situations are spun more than others. When 2 volunteers of the Modesto Needle Exchange were busted in an elaborate undercover sting operation by the Sheriff in April, the blogging world started to buzz. Some thought they knew the whole story (even though they didn't), independent publications were sharing their piece. People were talking, the word started to spread. The "Mono Park 2" was born. Surreal. It's hard to sit back and accept some of the things being spit out there in the cyberworld. The volunteers have been judged, labeled, lied about, and called names. The truth has been skewed, important facts left out, and biases have been painfully evident - on both sides of the issue. At one point during the past 6 months they had to stop paying attention. It hurt. It was frustrating. It was stressful. And it didn't seem fair. More recently, the Modesto Bee has joined in telling the Bee's version of the story. Merrill Balassone is great and has been very supportive. And having the Bee want to put a piece on the front page is a pretty big deal right now. Some think it was a decent article, others thoght is was weak, abd others still thought that it painted the volunteers in the wrong light. Even though we did have some problems with the article - how things were worded, the weak title, and all of the important stuff that was missing - the Bee did the right thing by deciding to run the piece front and center. It was a good start for raising some awareness and stirring some debate. The Bee will do follow-up on the volunteers' legal struggles and will also watch what Off the Streets does in the future. Some of the facts were slightly incorrect, but the Drug War Chronicle also did a write-up. It was a pretty good piece - and really, every ally and every bit of media we can get counts for something. The more people who know about the issue the better. Click on the links below to read some of what has recently been written about syringe exchange in Stanislaus County. The Modesto Bee - October 25, 2009 Drug War Chronicle - October 23, 2009 With more media attention coming up, Off the Streets will post the links for you here as they are released.

In 90 Minutes and 2 Blocks

Off the Streets volunteers gathered at the Peace Life Center on Sunday Nov. 8 for some information, discussion, and training around syringe exchange programs and harm reduction principles. Seven of the volunteers in attendance then headed to the Airport District for a quick assessment and clean up effort. We didn't at all expect what was to come of the day.

Collected in 90 minutes and 2 blocks (two alleys, a park, and a dirt path):

65 used syringes

2 crack pipes

1 cooker

Remnants of about 20 other syringes

We were completely shocked! The picture posted here is from that day.

Door to door and street outreach supported the clean-up. Informational handouts concerning what to do if you find a syringe, who to call, etc. were provided. It was also emphasized in conversation that families educate their children about syringes. People were very grateful that we were out there trying to help. They know. They see. They get it - even if the powers that be don't.

We are anxious for our next clean-up at the end of the month ... looking at probably hitting some alleys on the southside this time.

We have already gotten some valuable feedback from the community of some locations that need to be cleaned up. If you know of a hotspot where used syringes sit dangerously in the open let us know! Hit us up on Facebook or send us an email at offthestreetsproject@yahoo.com.

Blog #1 - Here We Go

Where exactly does one begin when it comes to something like this? There are so many things to say and do, and so many things I want people to know. There really are a gazillion things people NEED to know!

Part of me wants to address and defend and dispute every single thing I know of that has been circulated about syringe exchange and injection drug use - the truths, the lies, the happenings over the last several months, and personally the things said about the volunteers involved. I want to 'go there', I want to take advantage of this open forum in that way, I want to set the record straight - but at the same time I don't want to stray away from the task at hand. It would not be an efficient use of time or attention. We've got way bigger fish to fry. Besides, if you stick around and visit us often, you will figure out who we are and what we are about and the record will set itself straight. The truth will become obvious.

Off the Streets Project is a growing group of volunteers from all walks of life who are coming together specifically to educate, advocate, and promote community health and well-being in line with harm reduction strategies appropriate for Stanislaus County. We are educators, social workers, nurses, business people, laborers, and artists. We are caregivers and parents. Neighbors, family, and friends. Simply put, we are a unique mix of people who care about our community.

This blogspot is a start. This is where things will begin to move to the next level. There promises to be a wealth of information collected here. One of our primary goals is to educate anyone and everyone who will listen. So if you wanna know, we wanna tell ya. If there is something here that you need to know more about or if you have any questions at all, please let us know. We want this space to be a valuable resource for anyone looking to learn about syringe exchange and harm reduction in Stanislaus County.

I am beginning to ramble so instead of continuing on I will end my first entry with this:

Stanislaus County is in the midst of a public health crisis, it's true. Money is sparse, resources are dwindling, and more people need more help than any other time in recent memory. It seems daunting and the issue itself can be a downer, I know. But there is hope. There are answers. There are possibilities. There are always possibilities.

That's where Off the Streets comes in.