Gateway to Hope, Syringe Service Program

·  Our SSP operation is up for renewal on November 18th. We have been operating since 2018 but must renew every 1-2 years per state law. We must get the county commissioner's approval to continue the program per Indiana code.

· We currently operate out of 2300 Ferry Street every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. and every Saturday from 10 to 1 p.m.

· From 10/1/23 to 10/1/24, 532 active participants, including 328 new participants, utilized Gateway to Hope services.

· We have taken in more syringes than we give out each year.

· The goal of Gateway is to reduce the spread of Hepatitis C and HIV in the community by reducing the spread in participants by providing harm-reduction supplies. HIV and Hepatitis C rates have lowered significantly since we began operating in 2017.

· Each participant can meet with a recovery coach. Also, each participant can see a provider to be prescribed medication-assisted therapy medications or in-patient treatment.

· There have been zero incidences of violence at Gateway to Hope.

· Our wound care services help treat community members with wounds and prevent infection.

· Dozens of injection drug users find recovery resources such as peer recovery and medication assisted therapy at Gateway to Hope. Many SSP users recover from substance use disorders with our programs.

· We are requesting a letter of support to continue this program for the November 18th commissioner meeting for community partners. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Gateway to Hope. My email is Khochstedler@tippecanoe.in.gov 

We appreciate all the support from the community members who understand how important this service is for our community.