List of Support Resources for LGBTQI Individuals in Maine

My choice of a Praxis project came about in a roundabout way. Earlier in the semester, I was worried about an individual who was in an abusive relationship and she ended up leaving with her children. She spent some time with other friends until she got her restraining order and was able to find some resources to help her get back on her feet. When I realized she was ready to leave, I started trying to find out what resources were available locally and went to Google- A funny saying of some of my friends that like to tweak church sayings is “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of Google, who giveth to all men liberally….” :) What I found was that the first six sources I found were no longer current and only one of the next few was still operating. I ended up spending hours on the phone and chatting with people trying to find the available resources. As I thought of a praxis project for this class, I realized that an individual who was thinking of coming out to friends and family about their gender or sexual status might also want to look for some resources online for support and help. I found the same exact experience as I had found when attempting to discover resources for domestic violence. So many listings and so few were still open, available, etc…. So this project was born. The majority of these sources have been personally contacted to make sure that they are available and that the small blurbs I put with them give a good idea of what the organization would like to provide in support or resources. I have left some sources off the list that were offered to me…. This list is a bit long and I am out of time…. at least for now. I am hopefully that the University will use this list as they see fit to help and benefit others in their student bodies and in their communities. I have tried to list sources from all over to make sure that no matter where in Maine someone finds this list, they will at least have a starting point to help with their concerns and unique journey.

I would like to give a special thanks to three people who took their time and went out of their way to give me some resources that they have been collecting to share with others and I have agreed to give them a copy of this paper. They are W. Smith, S. Hayes and S. Bock. I cannot express my appreciation of their encouragement and help enough. Any mistakes are mine alone. Please contact me for a better formatted copy if you wish.

AIDS Education / Resources

• AIDS Consultation Service (Virology Treatment Center- 48 Gilman St, Portland, 207-662-2911
• Health Equity Alliance (Ellsworth) : 25 Pine St, Suite A, open Monday through Friday 8 to 4 pm, 667-3506
• Health Equity Alliance (Bangor): 106 Pine Street, open Monday through Friday, 207-990-3626
• Frannie Peabody Center : 30 Danforth ,Suite 311, Portland, ME 207-749-6818 info@peabodycenter.org

Educational /College Resources

• Bowdoin University – Queer/Straight Alliance, 24 College Street in Brunswick. To join contact bgsa@bowdoin.edu or 1800-290-2682
• Colby College- ‘Bridge of Colby College’, 5920 Mayflower Hill in Waterville, 207-872-3635 or bridge@colby.edu
• Husson University- 10% Solutions: a GLTBQ support group for students and staff on Monday evenings, FMI call 941-7990 or
• Thorton Academy Gay-Straight Alliance, 438 Main St, Saco, ME 04072, 207-282-3361. Advisor is Kate Timberlake and can be reached at Kate.Timberlake@thortonacademy.org
• University of Maine Orono Rainbow Resource Center: Located at LGBTQ services, Division of Student Life, 5768 Memorial Union, room 224, Orono, 207-581-1439. Open Monday through Friday 8 to 4:30pm. Open to anyone: for more information, meredith.hassenrik@maine.edu
• University of Maine Gay Straight Alliance, 181 Main St, Presque Isle, ME, 207-581-1439
• University of Maine Machias: offers many services to students including safe zones, physical and mental health services, training on LBGTQ concerns, gender neutral housing and restrooms, as well as the opportunity to change names and gender within its academic system, 207-255-1305
1. 100% Society- advocates awareness and acceptance of everyone. Meetings are confidential. Hosts meetings, trainings and activities throughout the year. Meets weekly on Thursdays at 5pm in Kimball Hall, lkuntz@maine.edu or 207-255-1244
• University of Southern Maine Libraries: has a large collection of primary sources, books, and the largest LGBTQ newspaper archives. For more information, go to
http://usm.maine.edu/library/specialcollections/lgbt-overview
http://usm.maine.edu/library/specialcollections/lgbt-collection
http://usm.maine.edu/library/specialcollections/lgbt-resources
• University of New England-Office of Intercultural Student Engagement. Gay/Lesbian/Bi/Friends Alliance: 11 Hills Beach Road, Biddeford, ME, 207-283-0171
• University of Southern Maine Center for Sexualities and Gender Diversity: Located in the Woodbury Campus Center on the Portland Campus, the Center for Sexualities and Gender Diversity (the CSGD) provides a space for students to connect, get resources, hang out, do homework, meet one another, and more! Provides referral information, a lending library, internships and work study positions at the center.

Faith and Religion

• The BTS Center – (Bangor Theological Seminary), 207-774-5212
• Circle of Hope Ministry- found in Portland with special outreach to LGBT community members. FMI, mccclergy@aol.com
• Dignity USA/ Resource for GLBT Catholics, PO Box 376, Medford, MA, 1-800-877-8797, info@dignityusa.org
• Interfaith Network of Clergy and Faith Leaders, 122 Neal Street Portland, ME, 207-775-5758
• Unitarian Universalist churches- go to www.uua.org to find a welcoming church in your area
• Some websites that can help find a welcoming congregation in your area-http://www.believeoutloud.com/take-action/find-your-community
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT-affirming_Christian_denominations

General Practitioners / OB GYN / Specialists

• Mabel Wadsworth Center- Family planning which provides educational and clinical services to women regardless of sexual orientation. 700 Mt. Hope Ave #420, Bangor, ME, 207-94705337 or 362 Harlow Street, PO Box 918, Bangor ME 04402, 207-947-5337
• Maine Family Planning- Open Door Transgender Health care: services include hormonal transition therapy and monitoring for trans individuals 18 year old and over, on-site self-injection lessons and supplies for same, referrals to specialty providers and community resources including mental, behavior and medical providers. Located at 179 Lisbon Street, Lewiston, 207-795-4007
• Rosemary Prentice – Southern Maine Family Healthcare
3 Shape Drive
Kennebunk, ME
207-467-8988, 207-283-1407
• Voice and Swallowing Center of Maine – provides voice therapy and training to members of the trans community both in person and through telemedicine. Found at Waldo County General Hospital, 118 Northport Ave in Belfast, 207-338-2500 or www.mainespeechtherapy.org

Homeless Shelters
• Alfred: York County Shelter- 147 Shaker Hill Road, 207-324-1137
• Augusta: Bread of Life Shelter- for victims of domestic violence or single adults, 157 Hospital Street, 207-626-3479
• Bangor
1. Bangor Area Homeless Shelter- 263 Main Street, 207-947-0092 or info@bangorareashelter.org
2. Shaw house – for homeless or at risk youth, 136 Union Street, 207-941-2874 or 1-866-561-SHAW. Rick@shawhouse.us
• Ellsworth: Emmaus Shelter- 51 Main Street, 207-667-3962 (have a long waiting list)
• Farmington: Western Maine Homeless Outreach – 547 Wilton Road, 207-779-7609
• Portland: Preble Street (women’s shelter and youth shelter), 38 Preble Street, 207-775-0026
• Presque Isle: Sister Mary O’Donnell Shelter- 745 Central Drive, must be 18 years old or with parents, program based, drug and alcohol free
• Rockport: Midcoast Hospitality House, 169 Old County Road, must be 18 years old or with parents/guardian
• Rumford: Rumford Group Homes, 346 Pine Street, program based with an intake assessment different homes and shelters based on needs, 207-364-4474
• Waterville: Mid Maine Homeless Shelter- 19 Colby Street, must be 18 or over but will help needy youth find housing if need be, drug and alcohol free

Lawyers / Legal Organizations
• Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders : 30 Winter Street Suite 800, Boston MA, 1-617-426-1350, gladlaw@glad.org
• Maine Civil Liberties Union: 401 Cumberland Ave, Suite 105, Portland, ME, 207-774-5444, fax 207-774-1103, info@mclu.org
• Maine Volunteer Lawyer’s Project, PO Box 547 in Portland, 1-800-442-4293. Website : www.vlp.org
• Seacoast Law and Title- Mary Anne Martell, 240 Main Street, Westbrook, 207-591-7880, law@seacoastlawme.com
• Warren, Currier, and Buchanan – Brenda M. Buchanan, 57 Exchange St. in Portland, 207-772-1262 or brenda@wacubu.com
• Vogel and Dubois- Mathew R. Dubois, 550 Forrest Ave, suite 205 in Portland, 207-761-7796, mdubois@maine-elderlaw.com

Local Support Groups

• Bangor- MTN Trans Only, 1st Monday of the month (6:00-7:30), 106 Pine Street
• Brunswick – MTN Trans Only, 2nd Friday of the month (6:00-7:30), 24 College St, Bowden College
• Ellsworth - Gay Guyz Group (GGG), meetings on the second Wednesday of every month at various locations, 207-667-9482 or wayne@mrlanguage.com
• Ellsworth- Down East Gender Diversity Group:
1. Trans Ally – 3rd Sundays at 3pm, Health Equity Alliance Building, 25 Pine St, Suite A
2. Trans Only – 1st Sundays at 3pm, Health Equity Alliance Building, 25 Pine St, Suite A
• Kennebunkport- Gender Innovation, Trans youth programming, for more info contact giadrew2@gmail.com
• Lewiston- MTN, 3rd Friday of every month, Center for Wisdom’s Women, 97 Blake Street
• PFLAG Machias- meets every second Wednesday of the month at 6:30 pm at the Centre Street Congregational Church on 9 Center Street in Machias. 207-255-1288 or downeastpflag@gmail.com
• Portland – Bare Bears- a gay / bisexual nudist (male) group that meets on the second Saturday of every month in South Portland, barebearsmaine@yahoo.com
• Portland- Maine TransNet:
1. Trans only- 1st Wednesday of the month (6:00-8:30pm), Maine Medical Center, Dana Health Education Center, 22 Bramhall Street
2. Allies Only- 1st Wednesday of the month, (6:00-8:30pm), Maine Medical Center, Dana Health Education Center, 22 Bramhall Street
3. Trans and Allies- 3rd Wednesday of every month, (6:00-8:30), Maine Medical Center, Dana Health Education Center, 22 Bramhall Street
4. Non-Binary- 3rd Tuesday of the month, (7:00-8:30pm), Maine Medical Center, Dana Health Education Center, 22 Bramhall Street
5. TYEF- Youth and Parents Groups, for more information, contact contact@transyouthequality.org
• Waterville- mixed group, last Friday of the month at 6pm, Pleasant Street Methodist Church, 61 Pleasant St, Waterville, ME · (207) 872-7564

Organizations for Support

• All About Guys: is a group of guys (GSB or questioning) getting together to meet in healthy and safe ways to socialize and talk. Meetings in Lewiston/Auburn on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month and meetings in Brunswick on the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month. Also offers some STD prevention services and supplies, 207-725-4955. Website: www.allaboutguys.org
• Equality Maine: works to secure full equality for LGBTQ individuals in Maine through political action, group organizing and collaboration. Can provide resources for local support. Located at 550 forest Ave, suite 101, Portland, ME, 207 761-3732, info@equalitymaine.org
• Family Affairs Newsletter – a twice monthly free social activities newsletter for GLBTQ individuals that also doubles as a business directory, classifieds and community bulletin board. FMI, zack@familyaffairsnewsletter.org
• Gay- Lesbian Phone Line of Maine – Hotline for individuals, friends and family members offering information and support. 1-800-468-2088 or 498-2088
• Gay Maine – the lesbian/ gay directory to gay owned and gay friendly places in Maine including bars, clubs, hotels, restaurants and more. www.gaymaine.com
• GLSEN (Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network) supports ‘Gay-Straight-Trans’ alliances/ student clubs in high schools and middle schools to work to reduce hate language and harassment inside schools. Is currently working with 40% of Maine’s high schools as well as periodic regional meetings for trainings and leads presentations for organizations and the legislature.
1. Portland - PO Box 10334, 207-619-1417 or glsensomaine@gmail.com
2. Ellsworth – PO Box 373, 207-217-9873 or downeastme@chapters.glsen.org
• Living Queer Here! - A radio show on station WERU that is aired the 4th Thursday of every month at 10-11am. Various topics are covered. Can be listened to in the greater Blue Hill area on frequency 89.9 FM, in the Bangor area on frequency 102.9 FM, and streams on the web at www.weru.org. WERU also broadcasts the nationally syndicated GLBTI show, ‘This Way Out’ every Wednesday afternoon from 4 - 4:30 pm.
• Maine Gender Resource and Support Service (MEGRESS) - provides education, information and consulting for transgender and intersex individuals in Maine. PO Box 1894 in Bangor, 207-862-2063 or megress@tds.net
• Maine Transgender Network, Inc.: provides support and resources for transgendered individuals and their families/significant others with support groups in Portland and Bangor. www.mainetransnet.org , PO Box 1034, Westbrook, ME mtn@mainetransnet.org
• Maine TransYouth Equality Foundation: provides education, advocacy, and support for transgender and gender non-conforming youth and their families to help foster a healthy caring, and safe environment for all transgendered children. contact@transyouthequality.org
• Out! As I Want to Be: A supportive and empowering organization for individuals 22 years old or younger. Has twice weekly drop in programs as well as community education. Drop in at 328 Main Street, Suite 305 in Rockland. 1-800-530-6997 or .outmidcoast@gmail.com Also sponsors a radio program on Wednesday nights that is supportive of GLTBQ and intersexed individuals aged 14-22 that can be found if you tune your radio dials to WRFR - 93.3 (Rockland) or 93.9 (Camden).
• Out and Allied Theater: created through the Waterville Inclusive Community Project which works to create safe and welcoming communities for LGBTQ youth by using theater as a means to provide education to the community. Meets on Saturdays from 11am-2pm at Studio 93, 93 Maine Street in Waterville. 207-660-1672 or Markfair56@gmail.com
• Outright Lewiston-Auburn: creates a safe and affirming environment for youth under 22 years old. Friday drop in from 6pm – 8:30pm at the First Universalist Church of Auburn, info@outrightla.org 179 Lisbon St, Po Box 1038, Lewiston, 207-795-8956
• Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays: Po Box 8742, Portland, ME 04101, 207-774-3441. Helpline- 207-774-3441. PFLAGPORTLAND@aol.com Also found in Bangor – 36 East St in Bangor, 207-990-3626 or c35269@aol.com. Also Brunswick- 72 Woodside Rd, 207-725-6390, or shodgdon@blazenetme.net
• Portland Outright: youth driven program for LGBTQ individual and allies ages 14-22 in the greater Portland area. Drop in every Wednesday 6-8pm at 175 Lancaster Street, Portland, 207-828-6560 or 1-888-567-7600, portlandoutright@gmail.com or outright@outright.org
• Proud Rainbow Youth of Southern Maine : provides a safe and positive space for LGBTQ and allied youth 22 years and under offering social support and leadership, 343 Forest Avenue, rear entrance, 207-874-1030, info@commcc.org 165 Lancaster street Portland, 207-874-1030 ex 403, robert@commcc.org 43 Baxter Blvd, Portland, ME, 207-874-1030 prsym@commcc.org
• SAGE / Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders – services and support for older individuals with drop in centers in Augusta, Bangor, Damariscotta, Ellsworth and Farmington. Monthly dinner in Portland and a monthly lunch in Bangor, PO Box 466 in Hancock, 207-809-7015 or doug@sagemaine.org. website: www.sagemaine.org
• Southern Maine Pride: 467 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101, 207-650-8219 or 207-893-2550, info@southernmainepride.org
• The LinQ- serving the greater Farmington area and meets every Wednesday during the academic calendar year in the psychology building at the University of Maine-Farmington. Located at 234 Main Street from 7-9pm
• TransSupport Group: PO Box 4075 in Portland, 207-774-7029 or 207-642-6023

Runaway / Suicide Resources

• National Runaway Hotline (24 hours) : 1-800-786-2929
• National Suicide Prevention Initiative (24 hours) : 1-800-273-8255
• Statewide Crisis Hotline DHHS : 1-888-568-1112
• The Trevor Project: a leading national organization which provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ young people ages 13-24 years old. 1-866-488-7386, www.thetrevorproject.org


Therapists and Mental Health Clinics
• Auburn
1. Rebecca Hardy :207-743-9337
2. Paula Marcus-Platz: 207-784-8747
3. Melissa Snyder : 1-877-838-5741
• Augusta: Chris York: 207-662-9433
• Bangor
1. Maria Baeza : 207-942-2230
2. Penny Bohac-Cardelle : 207-942-8767
3. Jeanine Crockett: 207-942-1433
4. Cheryl Pelletier: 207-942-1483
• Bar Harbor
1. Lori R. Alley: 207-288-0594
2. Pamela Parvin: 207-288-5344
3. Barbara Peppey: 207-667-3277
• Belfast: Shelly Fein: 207-338-3111
• Bucksport: Diane Keubler: 207-469-0505
• Brunswick: William M. Barter: 207-854-4321
• Ellsworth
1. Marc Mylar: 207-667-2095
2. Sally Smith: 207-667-4042
• Hancock: Doug Kimmel: 207-669-4178
• Kennebunk
1. Dorothy Carlson: 207-985-7655
2. Denise Hammond: 207-251-1282
3. Fran Kessler: 207-332-8881
• Lewiston
1. Claire Bergeren: 207-753-0213
2. Stephen Hayes: 207-753-0323
3. Robin Rockett: 207-753-1462
• Portland
1. Rick Bouchard: 207-650-6450
2. Alexandra Bouvrette: 207-602-1636
3. Cindy Boyak: 207-662-0111
4. Frank Brooks: 207-780-6068
5. Jeremy Cole: 207-878-8001
6. Norma Kraus Eule: 207-650-1804
7. James Maier: 207-662-2004
8. Alex Roan: 207-408-1685
9. Laura Gottfried: 207-774-0046
10. Josh Kingsbury: 207-773-2828
• Presque Isle
1. Georgette Beaulieu: 207-764-8573
2. Robley H. Morrison: 207-768-5013
• Saco
1. Alexandra Bouvrette: 207-602-1630
2. Karen Neale Leary: 207-229-8006
3. Jane Thursten: 207-282-1500
• Wells : Rosemary Ananis : 207-646-6641
• Winthrop: Mary Fredricks: 207-524-3721
• York: Erin Latulippe: 207-415-8512

pictures from : http://www.mesmacnortheast.com/rainbow-hands-up/, http://all-free-download.com/free-vector/download/free-abstract-colorful-rainbow-vector-background_147996.html

Bloodborne Pathogens Answer Key

Here are the answers I promised for the test I posted yesterday. I have also included some page numbers in the manual for those who are so inclined and have a manual. :)

1. A - (p. 4)

2. A - (p. 5 (6)

3. C - (p. 5)

4. B - (p. 4, 5)

5. C - (p. 4)

6. A - (p. 7)

7. D - (p. 8-9)

8. A - (p. 16-17)

9. B - (p. 9-10)

10. D - (p. 4)

11. D - (p. 9)

12. C - (p. 11)

13. A - (p. 5)

14. D

15. B - (p. 9-10)

16. D

17. B

18. C

19. D

20. B - (p. 5)

21. B - (p. 5)

22. D - (p. 9-10)

23. C - (p. 3, 11)

24. D

25. B - (p. 5)

pictures from: http://gotpulse.com/Bloodborne-Pathogen-Training.html

Bloodborne Pathogens Course Practice Test

As a Basic Life Support Instructor, I sometimes take the time to create practice tests for students to see how well the information has been maintained. The American Heart Association doesn't always have a test for a class and I sometimes have students ask for a pretest to get ideas on what the class covers. I wrote this test a few years ago and thought I would put it here for people to use. I will post the answers for it tomorrow. :)



1. What are Bloodborne Pathogens?
A. Germs in the blood that make people sick
B. Germs in the air that make people sick
C. Germs in all bodily fluids that make people sick
D. Germs in the environment that make people sick

2. Bloodborne pathogens training teaches....
A. How to act if an exposure to a bloodborne pathogen occurs
B. The employee to quickly leave the scene of a blood spill
C. How to clean up a blood spill without personal protective equipment
D. Safe handling of blood without wearing gloves

3. What does the 'P' in PACT stand for?
A. Power
B. Pathogen
C. Protect
D. Pulmonary

4. The main ways bloodborne pathogens can enter the body and make you sick include...
A. Picking up a towel with a small drop of blood while wearing gloves
B. Getting stuck with a sharp object that has blood on it
C. Wearing gloves with blood on them
D. Wearing gloves and picking up a container that has blood inside it

5. Which one of these symptoms is not a symptom of HIV/ AIDS?
A. Swollen glands and unexplained fever
B. Poor appetite with rapid weight loss
C. Manic or strong energy
D. Increased chance of catching other illnesses

6. Universal precautions refers to what?
A. Treating all bodily fluids as if it is infectious.
B. Wearing UV sunglasses outside.
C. Never leaving your house.
D. Protecting yourself against Universal aliens.

7. The purpose of (rubber) gloving up is to what?
A. Provide a sterile environment.
B. Make you look professional.
C. Keep your fingerprints out of the scene.
D. Protect
4
8. What is the best way to dispose of needles and other sharps?
A. After using the sharp, carefully dispose of it into a sharps disposal container
B. After using sharp, throw object directly into nearest trash container
C. Cap the needle and discard into a trash container
D. After using the sharp, carefully dispose of it into a biohazard waste bag

9. Washing Hands and skin after exposure
A. is not always necessary
B. is done with soap and large amounts of water
C. is not necessary if gloves are worn
D. is not necessary if waterless hand sanitizers are available and used

10. Which one of these symptoms is not a symptom of Hepatitis?
A. Nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain
B. Damage to the liver
C. Unexplained tiredness
D. Inflammation and contusions all over the body

11. Personal protective equipment may include all but:
A. goggles and/ or face shields
B. gown, apron, booties or shoe covers
C. cap or hood
D. sunglasses and work gloves

12. Biohazard waste warning labels are usually what color?
A. Black
B. Red
C. Orange
D. Yellow

13. What does the 'C' in PACT stand for?
A. Clean
B. Cardiac
C. Control
D. Content

14. An exposure control plan contains specific details and instructions on how to clean up a mess with blood- containing materials. All of the following usually part of that plan except:
A. Use the appropriate personal protective equipment
B. Dispose of cleaning materials and any personal protective equipment in the appropriate waste containers.
C. use absorbent materials to wipe up large amounts of blood
D. watching your co-workers struggle to clean and taping it all for posterity

15. You have cleaned up a blood spill and have removed your gloves. To protect yourself you should also:
A. Use waterless hand sanitizer
B. Wash hands immediately with soap and large amounts of water
C. Go to the break room for a glass of water and to fill out the necessary paperwork
D. Put the gloves in the closest trash can

16. What are the main diseases of concern when discussing the blood borne pathogen standard?
A. HAV, HDV, HEV.
B. PVC, BVD, HIB.
C. PCP, H2O, CDC
D. HIV, HBV, HCV

17. How many days can Hepatitis C live in dry blood?
A. 1 day
B. 4 days
C. 7 days
D. 14 days

18. What site of the human body is the most common site for TB disease?
A. Brain
B. Kidneys
C. Lungs
D. Liver

19. Hepatitis B and C can be spread by:
A. Having unprotected sex with an infected person.
B. Blood-to-blood contact with an infected person.
C. Eating food or drinking water infected with feces.
D. Both a and b.

20. Which of these is not a common entry point for bloodborne pathogens to enter the body?
A. Eyes and nose
B. Ears
C. Cuts or injuries in skin surface
D. Mouth

21. What does the 'A' in PACT stand for?
A. Assess
B. Act
C. Asphyxiate
D. Action

22. What is the single most effective form of protection for you and others during a bloodborne pathogen exposure?
A. Vaccination
B. Not eating in contaminated areas
C. Clean clothing
D. Hand washing

23. If you are exposed to potentially infectious materials on the job, you may request a vaccine for which bloodborne disease?
A. HIV
B. Syphilis
C. Hepatitis B
D. Brucellosis

24. Bloodborne pathogens may enter your system through:
A. open sores / skin abrasions
B. dermatitis
C. mucous membranes
D. all of the above

25. What does the 'T' in PACT stand for?
A. Talk
B. Tell
C. Touch
D. Time

Feedback and comments are welcome! Enjoy :)

pictures from: http://floridahomeboundfhb.com/Initial_orientation/Bloodborne/bloodb.php, http://www.slideshare.net/glenbrooksouth/blood-borne-pathogen-training

Bloodborne Pathogens: Introduction and Class Outline

One of the classes that I teach in my spare time is a Bloodborne Pathogens class. It is a class that is recommended for dentists, healthcare providers and other professionals who may deal with blood and other bodily fluids on a frequent basis. I created a basic outline to cover the information in class and I thought I would take some time over the next week to share some of the information that I give to students on a regular basis. I am hopeful that a few people can enjoy and possible use this information in your own lives. Over the next few days I will post my home written pretest along with answers.... Enjoy :)

What are Bloodborne Pathogens?

• Microorganisms present in the blood of persons who are infected with them (germs that make people sick)
What are examples of diseases that are caused by bloodborne pathogens?
• Hepatitis B infection -HBV-
Symptoms of Hepatitis – yellowing of skin or whites of the eyes, tired, abdominal pain, gastrointestinal problems including nausea and diarrhea, loss of appetite, damage to liver (can lead to death)
• Hepatitis C infection – HCV- can live in dried blood at least six hours and up to four days. (Hepatitis A is NOT transmitted by blood - it is transmitted by eating)
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus - HIV-, which causes AIDS – extreme tiredness, poor appetite with (rapid) weight loss, fever, swollen glands, etc. (affected person will get other illnesses easier (immunosupression) and can lead to death)

The Goal of this class is to discuss and reduce exposures as well as how to stay safe in environments and situations where exposures are more likely to happen!

How are bloodborne pathogens transmitted?
• By blood-to-blood contact only!
• Not by casual contact such as hugging, shaking hands, sneezing
Which body fluids may contain BBP?
• Human blood, semen
• Not urine, feces, vomit - unless visibly contaminated with blood
What are 'Universal Precautions'?
• You must treat all human blood as though it may contain any bloodborne pathogen... treat all bodily fliuds as if they are none to be infectious.
• You cannot tell if someone is infected by looking at them because many of these diseases do not show symptoms
What are the routes of infection of BBP in the general population or Most Common Forms/Paths of Exposure?
• Sexual contact
• Sharing needles among injecting drug users
• Mother to unborn child
What are the routes of infection of BBP in the workplace?
• Puncture or cut from a contaminated sharp object (needle, broken glass). This is the highest risk!
• Contact with broken skin (cut, hangnail, dermatitis including slight damage from shaving)
• Contact with mucous membranes of eyes, nose, mouth
Make a PACT, Know How to Act!
P - Protect : Protect yourself from blood or blood-containing materials
A - Act : Act quickly and safety
C - Clean : Clean the area that has blood or blood – containing materials
T - Tell : Tell your supervisor about the incident
How can I protect myself at work?
• Wear gloves if you need to touch human blood, used condoms or any item that can be or is suspected to be contaminated.
• Do not pick up needles or syringes with your hands. Use tongs or broom and dustpan.
• Do not use your hands to compress trash (to make more room in the bag). (A good rule is to not put your hands anywhere that you can not see everything they might touch)
• Use disinfectant to wipe up blood.
• Always wash your hands after you remove your gloves.
• Always wash your hands before you eat lunch and before you leave at the end of the day.

What should I do if I am stuck or cut with a contaminated sharp object (such as a needle stick or cut from broken glass, or if I get blood on an open cut, or in my mouth or eyes)?
• Wash the exposed area well
• Follow your companies procedures for notifying your Infection Control manager as set up in your company's Blood Borne Pathogens control guidelines
• Exposure control plan should include
• all job classifications that have chance of exposure to blood
• list of all tasks and procedures through which exposure may occur and are performed by employees
• methods of compliance to protect employees
• procedure for how to review problems

Are there vaccines available to prevent any of these diseases?
• There is a vaccine to prevent Hepatitis B that is given in three shots over a six month period
• You may get them through your physician or local health center or immunization clinic.
• Cost varies- some employers and health insurances will pay for these shots... never hurts to ask. :)

Feedback and comments are welcome! :)

pictures from: http://www.ehow.com/list_6822351_list-bloodborne-pathogens.html, http://www.emsworld.com/article/10320719/borne-free,