After a series of community town hall meetings where we received feedback directly from our community members and library staff, our library administration and board of control worked together to create a community-focused strategic plan.  This is YOUR library, and as part of our commitment to serving YOU, Bossier Parish Libraries and the Louisiana Department of Health present this series of community conversations on some tough topics.  We're breaking the rules of conversation by talking about all those things we've been taught to not talk about.

This virtual event will take place each Wednesday in June from 6pm-7pm

Session 5 - Harm Reduction & Syringe Services Program

PRESENTER:  Hershey Krippendorf
Philadelphia Center

This session will highlight the urgent need for harm reduction services in the state of Louisiana. According to the Louisiana Opioid Data and Surveillance System, drug deaths from 2019 to 2020 have increased by 70%. Syringe Service Programs can prevent the transmission of HIV and Hepatitis C, reduce risks for overdose death with increased access to Naloxone, reduce needlestick injuries to first responders and sanitation workers; and provide access to treatment when a program participant is ready.