I didn’t know much about the needle exchange program before this presentation. I had learned a little bit about it through hearsay and my limited knowledge was that they provided a service where people could safely trade their old needles for new sterile needles. This exchange would keep drug users safer than if they were reusing old needles or finding used needles to use. I have always believed that addiction is a disease and the people suffering from addiction need allys and support. I kept this belief after the presentation. I learned from the presentation that instead of just being a needle exchange, their program has changed recently where people do not need to bring in old needles to get new ones.
I think the biggest strategy to resolving health and healthcare disparities is to keep your eyes open and your mind open. Often if we are in a position of privilege we don’t always see the disparities that other people may be suffering from. We need to listen to our patients, make them feel heard, and be an ally to them whenever they are suffering from a health disparity. I look forward to being a nurse because healthcare can be a scary place for people and I want to be a safe place for patients to feel heard and advocated for.
Thank you for sharing.