QuIHN – Townsville

About Queensland Injectors Health Network (QuIHN)

QuIHN is a statewide, not for profit, and non-government health service which provides a variety of health services to people whose lives are or have been affected by substance use, as well as their friends, families and members of the community who are or have been touched or affected by substance use, throughout Queensland.

QuIHN provides medical services, needle syringe programs, counselling, peer support, distribution of information, education and training, workforce development initiatives, life skills programs and services that relate to substance use, blood borne viruses, sexual health and other psychological and physical health issues.

QuIHN Townsville also run a TMP (Treatment Management Program) clinic, including Fibroscanning, for those with Hepatitis C, every second Tuesday.

Programs

 Hepatitis C Testing, Treatment and Support

Non-judgmental Hepatitis C testing and treatment support for people who inject drugs and people accessing drug and alcohol rehabilitation and support services. Testing is available via Hep C Point of Care Hep C  (POCT), on site and selected outreach locations. This program seeks to provide innovative strategies and models of care that aim to increase access to treatment/care.

 Needle and Syringe Program (NSP)

Our Needle and Syringe Programs Provide:

• Sterile injecting equipment and used needle disposal options
• Access to free Naloxone and training on how to use it to prevent an opiate overdose
• Information, testing and support for blood-borne viral infections, sexually transmitted infections and injecting related injury, illness and disease.

We also offer:

• Non-clinical counselling, information and support
• Referrals to other drug treatment programs and health & welfare agencies

 Qld Pharmacotherapy Advice and Mediation Service (QPAMS)

A peer-based service supporting people who are on pharmacotherapy treatment in QLD. Providing people with information and support about methadone, buprenorphine or other opiates treatment. Can also provide referrals to clinics and GPs for more information.

Anyone can call QPAMS on 1800 175 889. Confidential and free.

Intake, assessment and referral

Self-referral to this service is welcome along with referrals from family, community services and health professionals. The intake team will help determine which programs are the best option.

The initial assessment will be conducted in person, via the phone, or at client’s choice.