We had the privilege of hearing Kerri Barton who is the program coordinator of Harm Reduction Services discuss how Portland, Me is working with the unhoused population to navigate drug use and how the needle exchange program operates.  Kerri stated that about 20,000 needles are supplied weekly and that there are about 2,000 unhoused living within Portland.  This provides a scale of how large the problem is, and the number of resources required.

            I have personal experience with this matter as my hometown has been subject to addiction issues.  I also have some experience by working in the South End of Boston a couple blocks away from “methadone mile” as it has been nicknamed.  Although I was not directly involved with care of the people, I did have frequent interactions and have educated myself on the situation.  I am familiar with safe injection sites and needle exchange programs.  I knew that there is a huge need to supplying needles to avoid infections, but I had no idea the vast number of needles being distributed.  I think it’s a great program that not only supplies needles, Narcan, and other services but also works directly with the population.  I feel it is extremely valuable to connect with the population and be involved in their daily life.  From my experience the unhoused is full of drug addiction, but more poignantly it should be identified as a community.   When providing care to any community it is important to gain trust and to instill faith.  By working within the community in a non-judgmental way fostering a relationship will promote the populations interest in pursuing help and healthcare services. 

            This lecture reinforced my viewpoint on this situation in that it is growing and requires special consideration.  The addiction and unhoused epidemic is a nuanced issue that requires broadscale community interventions that curate care on an individualized basis.  The number of resources directed towards this issue does not come close to its need.  In my practice in the future, I will continue to nurture faith in the healthcare system for this population.  I will also put effort towards charitable work.  I see that this issue has multiple viewpoints of how to handle things which results in a lack of funding towards it.  Along with advocacy of patients, altruism, and philanthropy will be needed.  In regard to philanthropy I feel on my part I will be able to donate time and be a resource to donating care to those who need.