Health Resource Capacity Assessment for Danielson, Connecticut, June 2003

Health Needs and Barriers to Care: Substance Abuse and Hepatitis C infection

Many stakeholders noted substance abuse and Hepatitis C infection rates as very most serious concerns for Danielson⁷⁸. High rates of substance use, specifically heroin, in nearby Willimantic have received considerable media and policymakers' attention⁷⁹. Stakeholders report that those problems are present in Danielson as well and that matters are getting worse. No one feels that enough resources are being devoted to controlling the problem, prevention or treatment. Stakeholders are universally frustrated at the lack of slots available for people who seek treatment, especially substance abusing mothers. A police trooper commented that people are trying to stay clean, but they can't get into treatment for long enough periods to be effective. "These aren't bad people, they just got caught up in it [drugs] and can't get out." The only access point for methadone treatment is in Willimantic, a serious challenge for shelter residents in Danielson.

Rates for drug abuse violation (adults and juvenile), liquor law violations (adult and juvenile), driving under the influence and alcohol-involved fatal accidents for Killingly residents from 1992 through 1998 were at or below statewide averages⁸⁰. However Killingly's rates of accidents involving alcohol, though declining, were far higher than statewide averages. Recent studies have shown that alcohol and other drug use rates have stabilized in Connecticut, however youth are beginning alcohol and drug use at earlier ages⁸¹.

Stakeholders report that Hepatitis C rates are extremely high in the area and growing. An emergency department physician stated that he had already seen three infected patients that day by early afternoon. Most credit growing IV drug use with the rise in infection rates. One provider noted that Hepatitis testing is expensive, costing $60 for the first test and another $60 to confirm a positive result. She felt that "we are only seeing the tip of the iceberg on this disease⁸²."

Hepatitis C infection is the most common chronic blood borne infection in the US; 60% of infections are due to IV drug use. The Centers for Disease Control reports that 1.8% of Americans are infected, often with no symptoms. Chronic liver disease is the tenth leading cause of death in the US, and 40 to 60% of this disease is related to Hepatitis C infection. There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C⁸³. The Connecticut Department of Public Health has reported no physician diagnoses positive for Hepatitis C, but estimates 4000 Connecticut residents are positive for the virus⁸⁴.

Killingly reported no HIV cases during 2002 and only one AIDS case from 1980 through 2002⁸⁵. However, community AIDS workers report having several Danielson cases over the years, including a child⁸⁶.

Next: Health Needs and Barriers to Care: Exercise, nutrition and obesity

Footnotes

78. Stakeholder interviews
79. Hartford Courant, "Heroin Town", 10/02.
80. State of Connecticut Social Indicator Data, DMHAS, http://www.dmhas.state.ct.us/sig/pdf/GPIY2000_final.pdf
81. The Governor's Prevention Initiative for Youth 2000 Student Survey: State of Connecticut, DMHAS, http://www.dmhas.state.ct.us/sig/pdf/GPIY2000_final.pdf
82. Stakeholder interviews
83. Facts about Hepatitis C, US Centers for Disease Control, 10/31/98
84. Connecticut Department of Public Health, www.dph.state.ct.us
85. HIV and AIDS Cases Reported by City/Town of Residence, Connecticut Department of Public Health, 3/18/03
86. Stakeholder interview