In the past few years, the state of Tennessee has seen an increase in the number of drug overdose deaths. Health experts believe this is tied to a number of factors, including a change in the types of drugs being injected and an increase in injected drug use overall.

In addition to an increasing number of overdose deaths, though, increased use of injected drugs also has another effect — a corresponding increase in infections such as HIV related to needle use. 

Hamilton County and surrounding areas are identified as being “moderately vulnerable” to HIV and hepatitis C outbreaks due to injected drug use. That’s part of why Cempa Community Care is committed to providing our community with resources designed to prevent the spread of bloodborne infections through the STEP TN program (Syringe Trade & Education Program).

“STEP TN is a program of harm reduction,” says Alicia Gladman, Harm Reduction Lead Coordinator at Cempa. “The idea is to meet people where they’re at, whatever that looks like. It’s about finding strategies to keep them safe and diminish harm as much as possible.”

How STEP TN Works

The STEP TN program has multiple goals. It is designed to reduce the spread of bloodborne diseases, increase knowledge and testing for HIV and hepatitis C, reduce needle sticks among law enforcement officers who respond to an incident involving someone using injected drugs, and increase enrollment in drug treatment programs. 

As part of those goals, STEP TN offers assistance to those who used injected drugs, such as infectious disease testing, vaccinations, and perhaps most importantly, resources to ensure that people are not reusing syringes.

“We’re making sure that we’re minimizing the potential infection of HIV by connecting people with a supply of unused syringes,” Gladman says. “Hand-in-hand with that, we’re connecting people with a network of resources because many people in this position are isolated and disenfranchised. They’ve been cut off from or cut themselves off from the community. A big part of this is creating a space where people don’t feel stigmatized and judged, where they can be clear about what their needs are.”

While many people may be unaware of the impact that drug abuse has within our community, it’s a persistent problem for many. And it’s an increasing problem, not only in the greater Chattanooga area, but nationwide.

“Substance use and substance misuse affect every person I’ve ever met in some way or another,” Gladman says. “Right now, we’re dealing with a crisis of a toxic drug stream. When people are using alone and they’re off the grid, that’s when they’re most at risk. We want to get them back on the grid.”

Building Connections

For many in marginalized groups, such as those who use injected drugs, there’s a natural distrust of those within the healthcare community. STEP TN works to overcome that barrier by fostering a sense of community and connecting people with resources, even those outside of Cempa.

“Connecting people with community and with health resources that don’t leave them feeling worse about themselves than when they arrive is so important,” Gladman says. “It’s about rebuilding community and rebuilding relationships. Ultimately, this is a conversation about life and death, and we want to keep people alive.”

STEP TN’s recent move to the Cempa Community Care Impact Hub Clinic will boost the program’s efforts and help expand its reach in helping those within the community who use injected drugs. The Impact Hub serves as a central location, allowing people to access multiple essential services in one place.

“It’s a challenging thing to connect people with resources when it requires transportation or an appointment on a specific date,” Gladman says. “To have all of these resources in the same building is a big thing. We can take our clients across the hallway and connect them with other resources that they need — it’s a one-stop-shop.”

That’s a big step in a positive direction for a population in need.

“People have a right to services that will support their health, no matter where they’re at in life,” Gladman says. “People who use drugs deserve healthcare and deserve support for their wellness. When the logistics of life are really complicated, having everything in that one space is just huge.”

Cempa Community Care offers the STEP TN program, designed to provide those within our community with access to the vital services and support they need. Call (423) 834-7374 to learn more.