{"id":15814,"date":"2022-06-28T17:22:55","date_gmt":"2022-06-28T21:22:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.cooperhealth.org\/weeklyrounds\/?p=15814"},"modified":"2022-06-28T17:22:55","modified_gmt":"2022-06-28T21:22:55","slug":"cooper-offers-substance-use-disorder-patients-free-transportation-for-covid-19-vaccine-appointments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cooperhealth.org\/weeklyrounds\/2022\/06\/cooper-offers-substance-use-disorder-patients-free-transportation-for-covid-19-vaccine-appointments\/","title":{"rendered":"Cooper Offers Substance Use Disorder Patients Free Transportation for COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Cooper Center for Healing, in partnership with Cooper\u2019s Population Health team, is offering substance use disorder patients access to COVID\u201319 vaccinations and free transportation to and from scheduled vaccine appointments. As cited by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM<\/a>), “People with substance use disorders are at higher risk for COVID\u201319 infections and serious sequelae than the general population. In addition, higher risk is well-known to occur in populations residing in congregate housing, which can include residential and inpatient levels of care as well as housing programs serving people with addiction.”<\/p>\n

For more information about COVID-19 vaccinations or to make an appointment to get vaccinated, please click here<\/a> <\/strong>or call 1.800.8.COOPER (1.800.826.6737). You can also click here<\/a> <\/strong>for an informational flyer that you can share with friends and loved ones. When making an appointment, please ask about the free transportation option. <\/strong><\/p>\n

Information About Substance Dependence\u00a0and Substance Use Disorder<\/strong><\/p>\n

SUD (Substance Use Disorder):<\/strong>\u00a0People can be diagnosed with a specific type of SUD based on the primary substance that they are experiencing issues with, such as OUD (opioid use disorder) or stimulant use disorder. Many patients with SUD experience issues with multiple substances (polysubstance use disorder).<\/p>\n

IDU (Injection Drug Use):<\/strong>\u00a0The overdose crisis\u2014both on a statewide and national level\u2014has also brought to light an increased and ongoing incidence of bloodborne infections, from HIV to viral hepatitis to bacterial infections. These infections are primarily borne from contaminated drug injection equipment and low vaccination rates among at-risk populations.<\/p>\n

MAT (Medication for Addiction Treatment):<\/strong>\u00a0FDA-approved medications can be used to safely and effectively treat OUD and AUD (alcohol use disorder). MAT is clinically effective to help manage cravings and withdrawal, leading to long-term recovery.<\/p>\n

Harm Reduction:<\/strong>\u00a0For people who stop their treatment plan at any time, or who are not ready to stop using drugs, there are harm reduction strategies and resources to help keep them safe until they are ready to continue their treatment plan or begin a plan.<\/p>\n

Sterile Needle and Syringe Access:<\/strong>\u00a0Sharing needles and using used needles increase risk of diseases like HIV and hepatitis. It is very important for PWID (people who inject drugs) to always use a new, sterile needle and syringe if they are going to inject drugs. Even reusing personal needles can cause damage to skin tissue and veins.<\/p>\n

In New Jersey, pharmacies can sell up to two hypodermic needles and syringes, without a prescription, to customers 18 years or older who provide valid photo identification. (P.L.2011, c.183)<\/p>\n

Individuals can exchange used supplies and obtain sterile supplies at local SSPs (syringe services programs). The Camden AHEC (Camden Area Health Education Center) provides a mobile van at 2600 Mount Ephraim Avenue where individuals can obtain condoms, sterile needles, syringes, FTS (fentanyl test strips), and other lifesaving equipment and resources. Hours of operation are Mondays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.<\/p>\n

Naloxone and Overdose Prevention:<\/strong>\u00a0All PWUD (people who use drugs), patients who are prescribed opioids, and loved ones should keep naloxone on them in case someone overdoses. The most common form is NARCAN\u00ae nasal spray. Naloxone is available with a prescription from providers, and over the counter in pharmacies in New Jersey. Additionally, the New Jersey Harm Reduction Coalition will mail intramuscular naloxone to those who cannot otherwise access it:\u00a0nextdistro.org\/newjersey<\/a><\/p>\n

Support Is Available Through Cooper:<\/strong><\/p>\n

HIV Testing and Treatment, and Substance Use Disorder Treatment Location<\/strong><\/p>\n

cooperhealth.org\/services\/early-intervention-program<\/a><\/p>\n