A new Research project in Regina is using geo-dates in discarded needles around the city and emerging test sites for sex transmitted infections to improve access to medical care and reduce high HIV rates, hepatitis C and Saskatchewan syphilis.
The project is an association between South Saskatchewan AIDS programs (APSS) and the University of Regina. The team said that the project is the first of its kind in Canada and that on Monday they invited the media to a simulated emerging test event to see how it works.
“We are creating maps based on discarded needles, and where there is an open use of drugs and public use of drugs, and providing the type of attention that people need directly to them,” said Heather House, a research assistant from the U of R involved in the project.
“This is providing attention to the community and meeting people where they are.”
The project takes data from the APSS website Reportneedles.cawhere people can send reports on discarded needles in Regina. Since 2021, APSS volunteers have collected more than 38,000 discarded needles.
Geo-Data help researchers determine where emerging test sites could be more effective. Emerging windows will appear in parks, parking lots and agencies that help vulnerable populations.
Saskatchewan had the worst rate of HIV infections in Canada in 2023, according to a report by the Public Health Agency of Canada. The infection rate of 2023 was 19,4 per 100,000 people, more than three times the national rate of 6.1 percent.
The province also has some of the highest rates of hepatitis C and syphilis of the country.
Some people are reluctant to seek medical attention on their own due to discrimination or stigma associated with drug use, said APSS executive director Shiny Mary Varghese, adding that the project hopes to find out if these rapid response interventions are effective in reducing ITS infection rates.
“It is a bit difficult to reach people if we are not accessible, so if we go out with people, then there are more possibilities that people are more willing to test,” Varghee said.
A regina project called 3 infections, 1 struggle is establishing a first study of its kind in Canada.
People can also connect with community health support and drug use. The research team includes people like Jason Littleford, who know why users are happening.
“Thinking when I was in that position, talking to someone who had experience or knowing what they were talking about would do things much easier,” said Littleford, a project pairs browser.
“You feel more comfortable talking to someone who understands what you are trying, right?”
