According to a study conducted by SAMHSA, the use of illicit drugs among Americans has increased from 2008 to 2010. The study showed that 8.9 percent of Americans ages 12 and older were current illicit drug users. The rate of use in 2010 was similar to the rate in 2009 (8.7 percent), but remained above the 8.0 percent rate from 2008.
Another disturbing trend that they found is the continuing rise in the rate of current illicit drug use among young adults ages 18 to 25, from 19.6 percent in 2008, to 21.2 percent in 2009, and 21.5 percent in 2010.
SAMHSA generates its study results through The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), which is conducted annually with approximately 67,500 participants ages 12 and older throughout the United States.
Brandywine Counseling & Community Services saves lives. We help people recover from addiction and mental illness, and reduce their HIV risk. Each life saved touches other lives, families, and communities in the Delaware region.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Needle Exchange Program Bill Signing Reception
Tuesday July 5, 2011
4:00 to 6:00 PM
Kooma Delaware
400 Justison Street
Wilmington DE, 19801
On June 7, 2011, the Delaware Legislature passed a law to continue the needle exchange program without sunsetting. Senate Bill 13: An Act to Amend Title 29 of the Delaware Code Relating to Sterile Needle and Syringe Exchange makes the original pilot status of the program permanent. This Act directs the Director of the Division of Public Health to maintain a sterile needle and syringe program to help prevent the spread of AIDS and other diseases. Brandywine Counseling and Community Services will continue to operate the program, which offers HIV testing, health counseling, hepatitis C testing, and referrals to substance abuse treatment.
Join us to celebrate permanent sterile needle and syringe exchange in Delaware. Please RSVP to Sara Grainger at sgrainger@brandywinecounseling.org.
4:00 to 6:00 PM
Kooma Delaware
400 Justison Street
Wilmington DE, 19801
On June 7, 2011, the Delaware Legislature passed a law to continue the needle exchange program without sunsetting. Senate Bill 13: An Act to Amend Title 29 of the Delaware Code Relating to Sterile Needle and Syringe Exchange makes the original pilot status of the program permanent. This Act directs the Director of the Division of Public Health to maintain a sterile needle and syringe program to help prevent the spread of AIDS and other diseases. Brandywine Counseling and Community Services will continue to operate the program, which offers HIV testing, health counseling, hepatitis C testing, and referrals to substance abuse treatment.
Join us to celebrate permanent sterile needle and syringe exchange in Delaware. Please RSVP to Sara Grainger at sgrainger@brandywinecounseling.org.
Monday, June 20, 2011
News Journal: New Map Shows Spread of HIV/AIDS Along I-95
The June 18, 2011 News Journal ran an informative article on how HIV/AIDS has spread along the I-95 corridor. A new map confirms the effect of easy access to intravenous drugs via the highway, as well as Wilmington's proximity to Philadelphia and Baltimore. However, the highway also contributes to the spread of the disease via unsafe sex:
Click here to read the full article.
Just like major roads are drug-trafficking arteries, they also enable people infected with HIV to travel, said Basha Silverman, prevention program director at Brandywine Counseling. That way, HIV-infected people can maintain sexual relationships and spread the disease from city to city.
"The freeways create access and give people more opportunity for sexual contact," she said. "When sexual contact is unprotected, [sexually transmitted diseases] are spread."
Click here to read the full article.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Sterile Needle and Syringe Exchange Is Now Permanent in Delaware
On June 7, 2011, the Delaware Legislature passed a law to continue the needle exchange program without sunsetting.
Senate Bill 13: An Act to Amend Title 29 of the Delaware Code Relating to Sterile Needle and Syringe Exchange makes the original pilot status of the program permanent. This Act directs the Director of the Division of Public Health to maintain a sterile needle and syringe program to help prevent the spread of AIDS and other diseases. Brandywine Counseling and Community Services will continue to operate the program, which offers HIV testing, health counseling, hepatitis C testing, and referrals to substance abuse treatment.
Every day, our staff sees the brutal impact HIV/AIDS has on men, women and children throughout Delaware. It seems to be so well hidden from the public eye. We are dedicated to preventing the spread of this disease.
Many of you are aware of the facts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that over one million Americans are currently living with HIV. Twenty-five percent of those cases are attributed to risk factors related to injection drug use. Our needle exchange program prevents the spread of HIV among injection drug users, and therefore saves lives.
Our state’s needle exchange program is not simply a needle distribution program. Injecting drug users are required to return a used syringe in order to obtain a new, sterile needle. The program creates a unique opportunity for our Prevention and Treatment staff to interact with active drug users who might want our help but are not knocking on our front door. We are meeting them where they are, going directly to the people that need us. By joining our program, they are taking the first step to break the cycle of addiction.
The staff who work on our mobile van offer every client education, counseling, referrals, HIV, hepatitis C and pregnancy testing services. We identify folks in crisis, and link them with the appropriate mental health care.
The needle exchange program works. It saves lives!
During the first five pilot years, we were able to accomplish the following:
Resource: Includes information from http://img.thebody.com/legacyAssets/37/76/needle_exchange.pdf
Senate Bill 13: An Act to Amend Title 29 of the Delaware Code Relating to Sterile Needle and Syringe Exchange makes the original pilot status of the program permanent. This Act directs the Director of the Division of Public Health to maintain a sterile needle and syringe program to help prevent the spread of AIDS and other diseases. Brandywine Counseling and Community Services will continue to operate the program, which offers HIV testing, health counseling, hepatitis C testing, and referrals to substance abuse treatment.
Every day, our staff sees the brutal impact HIV/AIDS has on men, women and children throughout Delaware. It seems to be so well hidden from the public eye. We are dedicated to preventing the spread of this disease.
Many of you are aware of the facts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that over one million Americans are currently living with HIV. Twenty-five percent of those cases are attributed to risk factors related to injection drug use. Our needle exchange program prevents the spread of HIV among injection drug users, and therefore saves lives.
Our state’s needle exchange program is not simply a needle distribution program. Injecting drug users are required to return a used syringe in order to obtain a new, sterile needle. The program creates a unique opportunity for our Prevention and Treatment staff to interact with active drug users who might want our help but are not knocking on our front door. We are meeting them where they are, going directly to the people that need us. By joining our program, they are taking the first step to break the cycle of addiction.
The staff who work on our mobile van offer every client education, counseling, referrals, HIV, hepatitis C and pregnancy testing services. We identify folks in crisis, and link them with the appropriate mental health care.
The needle exchange program works. It saves lives!
During the first five pilot years, we were able to accomplish the following:
- Incinerated over 68,000 potentially infectious syringes and removed them from the streets -- virtually eliminating the needle litter problem.
- On the needle exchange program van, we conducted 2,581 Rapid HIV tests and 138 Hepatitis C tests. 18 clients tested positive for HIV and 27 tested positive for Hepatitis C. 100% of the positives were connected to care and case management.
- Nearly 2,000 of those HIV tests were provided to community residents who access the van and are not enrolled in the program. Thus, we are reaching more than just injection drug users.
- 163 people (of the 261 formal referrals made) were successfully admitted to drug related treatment, a 62% success rate. BCCS is uniquely qualified to operate the exchange program because we also provide a variety of behavioral health services. We are able to quickly and seamlessly link people to the treatment they need.
Resource: Includes information from http://img.thebody.com/legacyAssets/37/76/needle_exchange.pdf
Thursday, June 9, 2011
BCCS to Lead Prevention Campaigns to Safeguard Delawareans from Alcohol and Substance Abuse
Statewide Movements Aim to Reduce Consequences, Costs of Harmful Behaviors
Wilmington, Del. — Brandywine Counseling & Community Services (BCCS) has cemented its reputation as Delaware’s leading voice of alcohol and drug prevention, having been awarded two grants totaling $600,000 a year for three years, to create two statewide campaigns designed to prevent alcohol and drug abuse before any sign of a problem occur. The grants were awarded from the Delaware Division of Health & Social Services, Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health.
“For decades, our prevention efforts have focused on giving people all the information and resources they need to recognize the signs of drug and alcohol abuse,” said Dr. Lynn Fahey, CEO of BCCS. “These two new grants will help us expand these efforts and prevent drug and alcohol abuse before the abuse even begins.”
The first of the two campaigns, You. Front and Center, targets alcohol and other drug abuse among adults 18 and over. Delaware law enforcement agencies reported 5,538 adult drug arrests during 2006, and 2,551 alcohol related arrests. In addition, Delaware is above the national average for marijuana use by young adults, with 10.45% of the population 12 and older reporting they have used marijuana in the past year.
You. Front and Center will have many dimensions, all building Delaware’s capacity to measurably demonstrate changes in attitude toward alcohol and other drugs. The campaign targets the entire state, with special emphasis in Wilmington and Kent County where state data indicators show significant need. The core prevention education activity is delivery of an evidence-based curriculum called Prime for Life in a multi-session ongoing small class format. More than 250 people are expected to attend the class per year. In addition, BCCS will host several job fairs that will introduce Prime for Life to participants, create enthusiasm and recruit participants for the full program. Social media, traditional print media and special events will also promote the educational classes, while creating prevention dialogue and promoting messages that have been proven effective in prevention.
The second campaign, BTU – Beat The Urge, targets alcohol abuse among young people (“Y” and “Millennial” generations). In Delaware, binge drinking increases from a rate of 10% among eighth graders, to 23% among 18 to 20 year olds and to 64% among college students. Delaware is significantly higher than the national average for individuals 18 to 25 with alcohol dependence or abuse. There are severe consequences, in the form of injuries from alcohol-related crashes, arrests of minors for DUI, and more than $200 million a year in costs to the citizens of Delaware for medical care, work loss, and pain and suffering resulting from the use of alcohol by youth.
The alcohol prevention campaign has a strong peer-led component. BCCS is partnering with middle schools, high schools, colleges, community organizations and faith-based organizations to reach the young adult audience. This campaign, which also is statewide, will be highly visible through social media, traditional media and special events. A new evidence-based curriculum will be developed in a peer-to-peer format, creating enthusiasm and encouraging participants to get involved with the alcohol-free movement, in order to exponentially increase the number of people who become involved. In our first year, we expect to present the curriculum to approximately 300 young people and to train 20 adult trainers (such as school nurses) and 150 adolescent and young adult peer leaders.
The two prevention campaigns and all of their components will be measured for outcomes and impact. BCCS expects to demonstrate changes in attitude toward alcohol, marijuana, prescription opiates and heroin among high-risk populations. In the long term, BCCS aims to produce measurable, statewide change and sustainable outcomes within Delaware communities related to alcohol and drug use, such as: a decrease in underage and binge drinking, a decrease in alcohol and drug related traffic crashes, and a decrease in costs associated with alcohol and drug-related violence and traffic crashes.
Achieving changed individual attitudes that prevent the onset of behaviors which are costly to personal health, to community health and to Delaware is an important step toward a healthier future. BCCS seeks to create dialogue about the shared responsibility we have to safeguard ourselves and our loved ones from alcohol and substance abuse.
About Brandywine Counseling & Community Services
For 25 years, Brandywine Counseling & Community Services, Inc. has been a trusted provider of outstanding substance abuse and behavioral treatment, HIV/AIDS prevention and education initiatives, mental health and advocacy services. BCCS is Delaware's most recognized provider of behavioral services with seven locations statewide. The core program offerings fall under one of four critical areas of care: Education, Advocacy, Prevention and Treatment. For more information about BCCS, visit www.brandywinecounseling.org.
For more information, please contact Basha Silverman at (302) 655-9880 ext. 123 or
bsilverman@brandywinecounseling.org.
Wilmington, Del. — Brandywine Counseling & Community Services (BCCS) has cemented its reputation as Delaware’s leading voice of alcohol and drug prevention, having been awarded two grants totaling $600,000 a year for three years, to create two statewide campaigns designed to prevent alcohol and drug abuse before any sign of a problem occur. The grants were awarded from the Delaware Division of Health & Social Services, Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health.
“For decades, our prevention efforts have focused on giving people all the information and resources they need to recognize the signs of drug and alcohol abuse,” said Dr. Lynn Fahey, CEO of BCCS. “These two new grants will help us expand these efforts and prevent drug and alcohol abuse before the abuse even begins.”
The first of the two campaigns, You. Front and Center, targets alcohol and other drug abuse among adults 18 and over. Delaware law enforcement agencies reported 5,538 adult drug arrests during 2006, and 2,551 alcohol related arrests. In addition, Delaware is above the national average for marijuana use by young adults, with 10.45% of the population 12 and older reporting they have used marijuana in the past year.
You. Front and Center will have many dimensions, all building Delaware’s capacity to measurably demonstrate changes in attitude toward alcohol and other drugs. The campaign targets the entire state, with special emphasis in Wilmington and Kent County where state data indicators show significant need. The core prevention education activity is delivery of an evidence-based curriculum called Prime for Life in a multi-session ongoing small class format. More than 250 people are expected to attend the class per year. In addition, BCCS will host several job fairs that will introduce Prime for Life to participants, create enthusiasm and recruit participants for the full program. Social media, traditional print media and special events will also promote the educational classes, while creating prevention dialogue and promoting messages that have been proven effective in prevention.
The second campaign, BTU – Beat The Urge, targets alcohol abuse among young people (“Y” and “Millennial” generations). In Delaware, binge drinking increases from a rate of 10% among eighth graders, to 23% among 18 to 20 year olds and to 64% among college students. Delaware is significantly higher than the national average for individuals 18 to 25 with alcohol dependence or abuse. There are severe consequences, in the form of injuries from alcohol-related crashes, arrests of minors for DUI, and more than $200 million a year in costs to the citizens of Delaware for medical care, work loss, and pain and suffering resulting from the use of alcohol by youth.
The alcohol prevention campaign has a strong peer-led component. BCCS is partnering with middle schools, high schools, colleges, community organizations and faith-based organizations to reach the young adult audience. This campaign, which also is statewide, will be highly visible through social media, traditional media and special events. A new evidence-based curriculum will be developed in a peer-to-peer format, creating enthusiasm and encouraging participants to get involved with the alcohol-free movement, in order to exponentially increase the number of people who become involved. In our first year, we expect to present the curriculum to approximately 300 young people and to train 20 adult trainers (such as school nurses) and 150 adolescent and young adult peer leaders.
The two prevention campaigns and all of their components will be measured for outcomes and impact. BCCS expects to demonstrate changes in attitude toward alcohol, marijuana, prescription opiates and heroin among high-risk populations. In the long term, BCCS aims to produce measurable, statewide change and sustainable outcomes within Delaware communities related to alcohol and drug use, such as: a decrease in underage and binge drinking, a decrease in alcohol and drug related traffic crashes, and a decrease in costs associated with alcohol and drug-related violence and traffic crashes.
Achieving changed individual attitudes that prevent the onset of behaviors which are costly to personal health, to community health and to Delaware is an important step toward a healthier future. BCCS seeks to create dialogue about the shared responsibility we have to safeguard ourselves and our loved ones from alcohol and substance abuse.
About Brandywine Counseling & Community Services
For 25 years, Brandywine Counseling & Community Services, Inc. has been a trusted provider of outstanding substance abuse and behavioral treatment, HIV/AIDS prevention and education initiatives, mental health and advocacy services. BCCS is Delaware's most recognized provider of behavioral services with seven locations statewide. The core program offerings fall under one of four critical areas of care: Education, Advocacy, Prevention and Treatment. For more information about BCCS, visit www.brandywinecounseling.org.
For more information, please contact Basha Silverman at (302) 655-9880 ext. 123 or
bsilverman@brandywinecounseling.org.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Living Out Loud 2: Rick Van Story Center Consumer Conference
The mission of the Rick VanStory Resource Center (RVRC) is to be the premier peer support center promoting recovery, quality of life, advocacy, education, mutual support, peer directed services, and participation in mental health policy design for individuals throughout the state of Delaware (RVRC) also proudly accepts donations of all kinds. Please call (302) 691-7950 to support their cause.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Benefit for Mike Kriner and Chris Sturmfels
The family and friends of Mike Kriner and Chris Sturmfels are raising awareness for a benefit to be held in Wilmington on August 27th 2011 and would greatly appreciate your support! A 5K Walk/Run and post run “Fun Day” at Rockford Park are being organized to raise money for the education funds of 4 young children who lost their fathers on February 25, 2010 in a DUI traffic accident.
Chris Sturmfels and Mike Kriner were social workers employed by Connections, a non-profit organization offering community support programs. These devoted husbands and fathers were tragically killed by someone with the problems they specialized in treating.
Now, their friends and family are working hard to coordinate a day in honor of these two gentlemen who lived life to its fullest and truly gave back to their community in so many ways. Their fundraising efforts will raise money for the children’s education trusts. All net proceeds generated from the event will be donated in full to the trusts.
A committee has been established to coordinate the day’s events and we are hoping you may be able to help. Here are some ways you can help make the event a success:
Other ways you can help if you are unable to make a monetary donation:
Thank you in advance for any support you may be able to provide.
Chris Sturmfels and Mike Kriner were social workers employed by Connections, a non-profit organization offering community support programs. These devoted husbands and fathers were tragically killed by someone with the problems they specialized in treating.
Now, their friends and family are working hard to coordinate a day in honor of these two gentlemen who lived life to its fullest and truly gave back to their community in so many ways. Their fundraising efforts will raise money for the children’s education trusts. All net proceeds generated from the event will be donated in full to the trusts.
The Beck Sturmfels Educational Trust
Michael T. Kriner Education Fund
A committee has been established to coordinate the day’s events and we are hoping you may be able to help. Here are some ways you can help make the event a success:
- Become a Platinum Sponsor by donating $500 or more. Your organization’s name/logo will be printed on the event banner and t-shirts.
- Become a Gold Sponsor by donating $250 or more. Your organization’s name/logo will be printed on the event t-shirts.
- Become a Silver Sponsor by donating any amount.
- Donate raffle items or gift certificates.
PLEASE MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: Kriner Sturmfels Education Fund
MAIL TO: P.O. Box 243, St. Georges, DE 19733
For all inquiries, contact Nicole Roy at nroy@ingdirect.com or Claire Callahan at ccallahan@ingdirect.com
Other ways you can help if you are unable to make a monetary donation:
- Post event details on your website, news letter or bulletin
- Offer event flyers to your customers
- Volunteer to help on event day (sign-ups, water stations, fun day activities, etc.)
- Spread the word to your family, friends and employees
Thank you in advance for any support you may be able to provide.
Summer Jam: Rick Van Story Center Event and Fundraiser
The mission of the Rick VanStory Resource Center (RVRC) is to be the premier peer support center promoting recovery, quality of life, advocacy, education, mutual support, peer directed services, and participation in mental health policy design for individuals throughout the state of Delaware (RVRC) also proudly accepts donations of all kinds. Please call (302) 691-7950 to support their cause.
We encourage you to come out and support this great organization! Click here to download a flyer.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Bill Introduced to Continue Delaware Needle Exchange
Delawareonline.com reports that a bill has been released to the State Senate to remove the "sunset" provision from the Delaware Needle Exchange, which was slated to expire next year.
The program has moved over 200 people to drug treatment in 4 years, far exceeding its goal of five a year. It has a total enrollment of 1,025.
"Our needle exchange program saves hundreds of lives and saves the state millions in potential health care costs," said Basha Silverman, director of Prevention programs for BCCS.
Read the full story here.
The program has moved over 200 people to drug treatment in 4 years, far exceeding its goal of five a year. It has a total enrollment of 1,025.
"Our needle exchange program saves hundreds of lives and saves the state millions in potential health care costs," said Basha Silverman, director of Prevention programs for BCCS.
Read the full story here.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Video: AIDS Plus 30 in Delaware
Watch the video here (click Chapter 3).
Also, read the companion article from Delaware Today, The Fight Continues.
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