Syringe Service Programs (SSPs) are effective community-based interventions that can prevent infectious diseases, link clients to treatment for substance use disorders, and can reduce overdose deaths among people who inject drugs. They do not increase illegal drug use or crime. Read more about SSPs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
People at highest risk for HIV infection may be able to secure a free HIV test through the Comprehensive Care Clinics (Vermont providers of HIV specialty care) or through the Community Health Center of Burlington (a Federally Qualified Health Center). Contact one of the sites below for more information.
We support free HIV testing at a range of community sites. These sites also offer referral and links to prevention interventions that may help you stop the spread of HIV. People who are sexually active may receive referrals to STD testing. Although some locations offer drop-in testing, we suggest contacting the sites ahead of time to set up an appointment.
The Hub & Spoke system is a statewide partnership of clinicians and treatment centers that provide medication-assisted therapy to Vermonters addicted to opioid drugs.
In an overdose, opioids can slow breathing to the point of death. To save lives, the Health Department gives out a medication called naloxone (brand name Narcan®) that can reverse an overdose.
How well are we doing in preventing/treating alcohol and drug abuse?
Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) is the use of medications, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a whole-patient approach to the treatment of opioid use disorder.
Many Vermont public health map atlases and dashboard-styled reports are available on a per-topic basis. These atlases and reports also allow viewers to download data in commonly used formats.
HIV can be prevented, and the risk of infection greatly reduced, through changes in behaviors or taking actions that can interrupt transmission.
Contacting a substance abuse counselor or program to get help can be hard, but it is a huge first step toward a healthier life. Treatment is effective!
