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)
| 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:
* 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:
* Hours: Tuesday and Thursday: **6:00 pm – 9:00 pm**
* Hours: Friday: **10:00 am – 1:00 pm** |
| USA | California, Palm Springs | DAP Health Harm Reduction Program | Mobile outreach locations:
* Hours: Tuesday: **10:30 am – 12:00 pm**
* Hours: Wednesday: **7:00 am – 9:00 am**
* Hours: Friday: **9:30 am – 12:00 pm** Fixed site:
* Hours: * Monday and Thursday: **8:00 am – 7:00 pm** * Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday: **8:00 am – 5:00 pm** Vending machine:
* Call for additional times and locations: 760.508.4526 or 760.668.4872 |
| Canada | Toronto | toronto.ca | Services include:
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| Canada | Peel | peelregion.ca | Mobile van service:
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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
External links
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