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 Syringe Program (NSP):

· 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.

QCS Group Programs:

QuIHN deliver group programs across Correctional Centres for people who want to make changes around their substance use. Groups range from Short Substance Intervention up to High Intensity Substance Intervention. Referrals into group programs are made through Queensland Corrective Services.

QCS Counselling Services:

Counselling services support individuals on a community supervision order who wish to address their substance use and mental health concerns. Counselling can provide motivational support to moderate, reduce or stop substance use and can assist with relapse prevention.

Referrals to counselling can be made through Community Corrections Case Manager.

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.