Prevention through Access to Safer Use/Sex and Low-threshold Care

The PASS-By service was born out of the will of offering access to safer use/safer sex equipment and low-threshold nursing care to drug users, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in Luxembourg City. It thus complements the services offered by the Drop-In service and the other partners in the network.

It is composed of a multidisciplinary team of supervisors, care assistants and nurses.

Reducing the risks linked to drug use.

 “In an individual and public health approach, PASS-By service aims to promote “Harm Reduction”, in order to provide better healthcare and to encourage drug users to take responsibility.”

PASS-By contributes to reducing the spread of infectious diseases (HIV, Hepatitis B/C…) and other health risks among drug users by offering clean equipment in exchange for user equipment and quality low-threshold care.

PASS-By aims to improve drug users’ access to information on the risks associated with drug use and to promote the physical, psychological and social well-being of users. 

To achieve this, we intervene in several areas:

• Access to safer use/safer sex material.
• Access to some hygiene and care products.
• The provision of basic health care.
• Active listening, in a safe, non-judgmental and trusting environment.
• Advice on risk reduction for the drug user and also for third parties.
• Partnership between field workers and the services of the Luxembourg drug addiction network.  

We aim to provide drug users with the means to reduce risks and prevent harm linked to drug use and take responsibility for their use. 

Welcoming, listening and caring are the preferred approaches.

The distribution of material is the starting point for creating a bond of trust with the beneficiary and, above all, it helps us initiate a dialogue about his or her health and thoughts. The aim is also to give the beneficiaries the necessary tools and knowledge in order to reduce risk behaviour and improve their overall health. 

These informal meetings are particularly important for the team as they provide several opportunities to build relationships, observe, listen, inform and raise awareness about this matter.

They can also sometimes lead to a wish or a request for care, which will be passed on to the appropriate service. 

For a large number of beneficiaries, the nightly presence of the PASS-By service is very reassuring and our listening approach is considered to be a strong added value.