Monday, August 28, 2017

Syringe Exchange Program Aims To Slow Hepatitis C Infections In Alaska

August 29, 20172:53 PM ET
In Alaska, the virus is exploding among people ages 18 to 29. It's a trend that is mirrored nationwide. A recent study in Alaska found that the hepatitis C rate among young people doubled between 2011 and 2015. Rural parts of the state are being especially hard hit. In the remote islands of Southeast Alaska, where the capital Juneau is located, the rate nearly quintupled, rising by 490 percent.
"We talk mostly about opioid overdose deaths, but there's a lot more that happens related to opioid use than just deaths," explains Jay Butler, chief medical officer for Alaska's health department.

LINK - http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2017/08/29/547054395/syringe-exchange-program-aims-to-slow-hepatitis-c-infections-in-Alaska

In Alaska, Hepatitis C Rate Rises Due To Injection Opioid Use
August 28, 20174:31 PM ET
Heard on All Things Considered 
In Alaska, the Hepatitis C infection rate is skyrocketing due to the high number of injection opioid users. The state is looking to needle exchanges to curb rising costs of drug addiction treatment. 

LINK - Listen or read transcript here.

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