Another unfortunate consequence from opioid epidemic

Published: Wednesday, April 4, 2018

By KIM HORTON
Times-News Columnist

In the last several months, our community raised awareness about the opioid epidemic through a multitude of articles, education and activities. Hope Rx, Henderson County Public Schools, Pardee Hospital, Park Ridge Health, Blue Ridge Community College, Henderson County Partnership for Health, the Department of Public Health, the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office and Henderson County Emergency Management Services have all contributed in some fashion. Thank you to Times-News reporter Rebecca Walter for extensive coverage. We hope that you have a greater awareness of how insidious opioids are in every demographic in Henderson County.

While we learned about how easy it is to become addicted, what an overdose looks like and the importance of naloxone to reverse accidental overdose, one consequence from opioid addition that hasn’t been mentioned is Hepatitis C virus (HCV). This infection is spread through the blood. Increasing use of heroin by injection puts people at risk for catching and spreading Hepatitis C.

As access to opioid pills becomes more difficult or expensive, an addict might turn to less expensive and more easily obtained heroin to get what the addict’s body craves. Heroin coming in from Mexico or Colombia has significantly increased the availability and access to inexpensive heroin. Because heroin is injected, the likelihood for injection-related illnesses such as HIV and hepatitis C (HCV), particularly as needles are shared, has increased.

HCV is a real concern in North Carolina. According to the NC Department of Health and Human Services, reported cases of acute HCV have tripled during 2010-2014. To be more specific, from 2007 to 2016, the reported acute HCV cases increased 900 percent. The infection is often underreported and underestimated—75 percent of the infected population are unaware that they are infected with hepatitis C.

For some people, HCV is a short-term illness but for 70 -85 percent of people who become infected with hepatitis C, it becomes a long-term, chronic infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, chronic hepatitis C is a serious disease than can result in long-term health problems, even death. Most infected people might not be aware of their infection because they do not feel sick. And there is no vaccine to prevent Hepatitis C.

The best way to prevent HCV is by not sharing needles or syringes that spread the disease. Access to safe needles and syringes through exchange programs are being considered by communities dealing with opioids.

The North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition states that syringe exchange programs are one of the most effective public health interventions for decreasing the transmission rates of HIV and hepatitis C. People who use injection drugs turn in their used or “dirty” needles in exchange for unused, clean needles. This in turn, creates a safer environment for the community including a 66 percent reduction in needle-stick injuries to law enforcement. In addition, many studies confirm that syringe exchange programs decrease drug use by connecting users to treatment.

Syringe exchange programs are only one potential tool in fighting the opioid epidemic and its consequences. Any support program requires coordinated, informed efforts among partners in combination with referral to treatment and services in the community. Unfortunately, those treatment resources are few.

One suggestion is that support organizations have post-opioid overdose protocols ready, which may include offering overdose prevention education, naloxone, and related training for patients, family members and friends. Links for patients to treatment and services in the community is an important goal. Another tool could be providing medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to those released from jail who have previously abused opioids. MAT combines medication (methadone, buprenorphine or naltrexone) with counseling and behavioral therapies.

These are important but costly steps that will take time to implement. For now, everyone can:

• Know the risks of opioids.
• Learn about naloxone, its availability, and how to use it.
• Store prescription opioids in a secure place, out of reach of others (including children, family, friends and visitors).

The Department of Public Health offers screening for hepatitis C and HIV. Please call 828-692-4223 to make an appointment. All services are confidential regardless of age. For more information on opioids or hepatitis C visit hendersoncountync.org/health.

Kim Horton is the communications manager for the Henderson County Department of Public Health. She can be reached at khorton@hendersoncountync.org.

Copyright © 2018 BlueRidgeNow.com — All rights reserved. Restricted use only.