Drop-in Centre 1

Need for DIC All the services for IDUs cannot be provided in the outreach centre alone IDUs often need a place where they can rest peacefully without being harassed/discriminated against Service providers need a place to address their clients (IDUs and partners) as a group IDUs need a place where they can come together and find a common voice 2

Drop-in Centre ● A doorway to a welcoming and caring environment for target population ● A hub for all services which an IDU can access as per his/her need and convenience ● DIC is the hub from where all prevention and treatment efforts are: Planned Coordinated Conducted Monitored Documented 3

Who will the DIC serve? The following persons usually access the DIC and its services: People who inject drugs Spouses and sex partners of IDUs Other family members of IDUs General community (who may visit DIC to seek information) 4

Services Provided at the DIC Needle and Syringe Exchange Program IEC Sharing and caring Psychosocial support Wound and abscess management STI treatment Condom distribution Referrals to ICTC, DOTS Waste disposal systems Dispense OST -when specifically accredited by NACO 5

Location of DIC A DIC should be located where IDUs: Reside Congregate Find it easy to access Do not face discrimination Can enter freely without any fear of the surroundings 6

Steps for choosing a location Mapping of IDUs and IDU hotspots Mapping of services and referrals Consideration of feasibility and budgetary issues Opinion of IDUs through group discussion Opinion of general community residing nearby 7 Establishing a DIC Contd…

Establishing a DIC The final selection will depend upon: Proximity of proposed site to the hotspots, services and referrals Acceptability of the site to the IDU and general community Once a location is chosen on the basis of the above steps, the TI (NGO) should hold advocacy meetings with the general community residing around proposed site All concerns of the general community to be addressed by the TI staff 8 Contd…

Infrastructure A DIC should have adequate space for: Recreation/rest Counselling Medical examination/Treatment/ Dressing of abscess Safe disposal of used needle s and syringes Stocking of supplies Basic amenities like a toilet and kitchen Essential furniture Timings of DIC should be decided in consultation with the IDUs 9 Establishing a DIC

Stocks and Displays The following should be stocked: Needles and syringes Condoms Puncture proof N/S collection and disposal containers and chemicals Abscess prevention and treatment material IEC materials Notice on rules and regulations should be prominently displayed Confidentiality policy should be displayed 10 Establishing a DIC

Human Resources Staff in DIC Full-time: PM, Nurse/Counsellor and ORW Part-time: Doctor (minimum 3 days per week) ORWs will take turns to carry out DIC related work One staff member must be designated as DIC in-Charge. 11 Establishing a DIC

Basic Rules at the DIC Some basic rules of the DIC include: Make every effort to help the IDU and partner feel valued and comfortable Take informed consent before testing and medication Display confidentiality policy Display rules and regulations prominently 12

Role of the PM The roles and responsibilities of the PM in DIC functioning are as follows: Supervision of clinic activities on regular basis Facilitating advocacy meetings and focus group discus sions Development and monitoring of weekly work plan as p er the performance indicators for ORWs and counsellor s Arrangement of weekly and monthly meetings to identi fy shortfalls and evolve corrective measures/plan of actio n Capacity building of staff and organization Overseeing MIS Developing DIC policies and plans Continuous analysis of the project activities Advocacy and engagement with the local community 13

For details please refer to SOP on DIC for IDU Interventions developed by UNODC for NACO 14

Any questions? 15