Needle distribution programs

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Using and sharing injection materials (including spoons) can cause serious injury and death.

Using and sharing injection equipment is an extremely high-risk activity and is never truly safe to do in a nonmedical context. This guide is provided for educational and harm reduction purposes, and we strongly discourage irresponsible users from engaging in this activity.

A Needle Distribution Program, Needle & Syringe Program, or needle exchange, is a social service that allows people to obtain fresh, safe, sterile hypodermic needles and other drug paraphernalia at little or no cost. It is based on the philosophy of harm reduction that attempts to reduce the risk factors of drug use, such as bloodborne infections like HIV/AIDS and hepatitis.

List of programs (by location)

This is a short list of needle distribution programs, it is far from a conclusive list. You can help by expanding it.

Country	Location	Service	Availability
International	England	Exchange Supplies	Online store, ships worldwide. Sells a wide range of equipment.
UK	England	Change Grow Live	On-site services available at various locations.
UK	England	NSPDirect by Exchange Supplies	Postal equipment supply available in select areas. Check coverage at here or here.
UK	England, Solihull	sias - Solihull Integrated Addiction Services	On-site needle exchange service at: **Middlewood House, 15 Larch Croft, Chelmsley Wood, B37 7UR** Hours: * Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday: **9:00 am – 5:00 pm** * Thursday: **9:00 am – 8:00 pm**
USA	USA, Nationwide	NASEN - North America Syringe Exchange Network	A map of many harm reduction services and equipment suppliers across the country.
USA	California, San Diego	Family Health Centers of San Diego; Syringe Services Program	Mobile unit locations: **16th and Imperial Ave** * Hours: Tuesday and Thursday: **6:00 pm – 9:00 pm** **31st St and North Park Way** * Hours: Friday: **10:00 am – 1:00 pm**
USA	California, Palm Springs	DAP Health Harm Reduction Program	Mobile outreach locations: **Methodist Church, Alejo & N. Sunrise** * Hours: Tuesday: **10:30 am – 12:00 pm** **Call for locations** * Hours: Wednesday: **7:00 am – 9:00 am** **Alejo & Belardo** * Hours: Friday: **9:30 am – 12:00 pm** Fixed site: **1445 N Sunrise Way Ste 102** * Hours: * Monday and Thursday: **8:00 am – 7:00 pm** * Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday: **8:00 am – 5:00 pm** Vending machine: **Hunters Bar, 302 E. Arenas Rd** * Call for additional times and locations: 760.508.4526 or 760.668.4872
Canada	Toronto	toronto.ca	Services include: Outreach van service Needle exchange services Supervised injection services
Canada	Peel	peelregion.ca	Mobile van service: Hours: **4:00 pm – 11:00 pm** Additional harm reduction locations available.

Harm reduction

Harm reduction refers to public health strategies designed to minimize the negative consequences of risky behaviors, such as drug use, without necessarily requiring individuals to stop these behaviors. The approach acknowledges the realities of human behavior and focuses on practical measures that improve health outcomes and safety.

Harm reduction programs may include:

• Distribution of clean needles and syringes.
• Overdose prevention education.
• Naloxone distribution to reverse opioid overdoses.
• Safe consumption spaces.
• Vending machines offering harm reduction supplies.

These programs are often community-based and aim to reduce the transmission of infectious diseases, prevent overdoses, and connect individuals to support services without stigma or judgment.

See also

• Safer injection guide
• Sharing injection materials
• Responsible use
• Routes of administration

External links

• North America Syringe Exchange Network

References

Javed, Z; Burk, K; Facente, S; Pegram, L; Ali, A; Asher, A (2020), Syringe Services Programs: A Technical Package of Effective Strategies and Approaches for Planning, Design, and Implementation (pdf), Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), CDC 105304