Safety Counts is a new program at Planned Parenthood aimed at helping injecting drug users who might not be ready to quit, but would like to practice safer drug use and make changes to their habits. Participants can be active drug users. Every participant is using or has used heroine and/or crack cocaine.

Bleach kits with sterile water and cotton pellets to clean off syringes, and mouth pieces for pipes are offered free-of-charge.

"What we're trying to do is teach them the stages of change, and how to make changes in their lives. We teach them how to stay clean. How to not contract or transmit HIV and Hepatitis C," said Mary Atilano the program coordinator.

HIV and Hepatitis C is common among injecting drug users because they tend to share needles, pipes, etc., which can, and often does lead to the transmission of diseases.

After 16 years of shooting heroine, Deanna Galvan decided to stop. "I guess you could say I was like a walking dead person, like a zombie because I had no feelings. I loved my heroine."

Galvan loved her heroine so much she lost her three children because of it. "I have a lot regrets, but it's something I can't dwell on. If I dwell on it too much it will cause me to relapse. I've been clean for 12 months now, and it was because of this program," she said.

"Let's be realistic if you don't want to stop, if you can't stop what's the best thing? Prevention. Being safe," said Atilano.

The ultimate goal would be to have every participant kick the habit, but as Galvan said, you have to take it a day at a time.

"It's like baby steps, trying to get back where I was 17 years ago," she said.

"A change means step by step, baby steps. I'm not talking about making a change from using everyday then all of a sudden not using," said Atilano

The group focuses on setting goals. It can include cutting down on drug use, or using new syringes.

Safety Counts meets every Tuesday and Thursday at noon. The program is free and that includes lunch.

You can contact Planned Parenthood at 543-3062, or stop by 918 North Oregon Street.