New Attitudes & Strategies: A Comprehensive Approach to Preventing Blood-Borne Infections Among IDUs

This brochure discusses a comprehensive approach to preventing blood-borne infections among injection drug users (IDUs). It provides statistics on HIV/AIDS and hepatitis and briefly discusses the role of IDUs in the transmission of these blood-borne diseases. CDC is advocating a comprehensive approach to working with IDUs, which incorporates strategies that take into account the differing sociocultural characteristics of IDUs and incorporates several basic principles that serve as a framework for action. The pamphlet discusses four principles: (1) ensure coordination and collaboration; (2) ensure coverage, access, and quality; (3) recognize and overcome stigma; and (4) tailor services and programs. It also discusses eight strategies that are a part of a comprehensive approach: (1) substance abuse treatment; (2) community outreach; (3) access to sterile syringes; (4) services in the criminal justice system; (5) strategies to prevent sexual transmission; (6) counseling and testing services, partner counseling and referral services, and prevention case management; (7) services for IDUs living with the HIV; and (8) primary drug prevention.