Thursday, May 30, 2013

Free Hepatitis C Testing May 30 and May 31


At BCCS, giving our clients the tools to handle life’s challenges is part of what we do.  There are high risk factors of contracting Hepatitis C for clients that share syringes, which make it important to know your status and get tested. Testing is quick, easy and free!  Call 302-504-5890 for more information.

Rapid testing will be done at BCCS's Newark and Lancaster sites at the dates and times listed below:

Newark, May 30th 8:30 AM - 12:00 noon
Lancaster, May 31st 6:00 AM - 12:00 noon

Monday, May 20, 2013

Dangerous Drug Potentially in Our Area


It has come to our attention that there is a new designer drug potentially circulating in our area known as Crocodile (also known as Krokodil, Krokodile, Walking Dead, Krok, Zombie Drug.)  This is an incredibly dangerous drug with severe side effects, including soft tissue damage caused around the injection site and erosion of the flesh. 

Often gangrene and other intense infections are seen in users. Limb amputation is common. Other infections, such as Hepatitis and HIV, are also common in users. Crocodile can also cause brain, kidney, and liver damage. There are reports that the life expectancy of chronic users of this substance is as low as 2-3 years due to the physical health complications that accompany use. It is called Crocodile due to the greenish, scale-like appearance of the skin of its users, due to gangrene.

Due to its short lasting effects, some users report multiple injections a day. It is also reported that the onset of withdrawal is almost immediate after the initial effects wear off.   Also, withdrawal from Crocodile can last up to 1 month, whereas heroin detox typically lasts a week to 10 days.



Tuesday, May 14, 2013

BCCS Hosted Event for National Prevention Week


SAMHSA’s National Prevention Week is held May 12-18, 2013, and was created to increase public awareness of substance abuse and mental health issues. This week is a great chance for organizations to reach out to their communities and promote prevention efforts and educate others about behavioral health issues.

SAMHSA’s 2013 Prevention Week theme is "Your voice. Your choice. Make a difference," which emphasizes our ability to make positive changes, raise awareness for behavioral health issues – and ultimately to help create healthier and safer communities. Last year, community organizations across the country hosted health fairs, block parties, educational assemblies, and more to get their communities involved and to increase awareness about the importance of substance abuse prevention and the promotion of mental health.

This year, BCCS participated in the National Prevention Week celebration and hosted the Spring Jam for Prevention Health Fair.  The event, held Monday, May 13, 2013 from 3:00pm -7:00pm in Wilmington, DE, was sponsored by BCCS, U.S. Senator Chris Coons, You--Front and Center Program at BCCS, and the Delaware Prevention Coalition.  It was free, open to the public and had a great turnout!

The event allowed BCCS to distribute community prevention information and to discuss our services with community members.  In addition to being a prevention event, Spring Jam was packed with family fun, including a moon bounce, basketball, face painting, a balloon artist, and cotton candy and popcorn.


Wilmington Annual Senior Health and Fitness Day


The City of Wilmington is hosting its annual Senior Health and Fitness Day on May 29th.  The City of Wilmington will join DE organizations to commemorate the national day of celebration, which is the country’s largest event for older adults. 

The Department of Parks and Recreation and organizations serving seniors in DE are planning a citywide celebration for seniors at Christina Park, at 4th and Church Streets in Wilmington from 10 AM -2 PM.  If it rains, the event will be held inside at the William Hicks Anderson Community Center at 501 North Madison St. 

Monday, May 13, 2013

Camden, N.J., Police Investigating Contaminated Batch of Heroin


CAMDEN, N.J. — Authorities are investigating an adulterated batch of heroin they believe is being sold in Camden.

The drug sent three individuals to Cooper University Hospital Friday night for treatment of heroin overdoses. Camden County Police Chief Scott Thomson warned these overdoses may have been caused by a batch of heroin that included toxic elements that could prove fatal without medical attention.

Law enforcement is not publicizing where these individuals purchased heroin but will be testing the drugs to determine the composition. The investigation is ongoing.

Source: delawareonline.com