Syringe Services Programs (SSPs) Increase Care and Decrease Stigma

What You Need To Know

• Nearly 30 years of research has shown that comprehensive SSPs are safe, effective, and cost-saving, do not increase illegal drug use or crime, and play an important role in reducing the transmission of viral hepatitis, HIV and other infections. 

• Access to quality SSPs also aids in the prevention and treatment of skin and soft tissue infections, infective endocarditis, and other health concerns related to lack of syringe access that aren't often discussed.

• Because of federal funding restrictions, SSPs often struggle to purchase supplies. Settlement funds can help cover this gap in funding by providing direct funds for the purchase of syringes. 

Research

• Are needle and syringe programmes associated with a reduction in HIV transmission among people who inject drugs: a systematic review and meta-analysis

• Estimation of the cost-effectiveness of HIV prevention portfolios for people who inject drugs in the United States: A model-based analysis. 

• Combination interventions to prevent HCV transmission among people who inject drugs: modeling the impact of antiviral treatment, needle and syringe programs, and opiate substitution therapy. 

• Reduced injection frequency and increased entry and retention in drug treatment associated with needle-exchange participation in Seattle drug injectors

Leaders To Know

• Dave Purchase - In August, 1988 Dave Purchase set up a TV tray and a folding chair near a house frequented by heroin users in downtown Tacoma, WA. He exchanged clean needles— to anyone who wanted them, no questions asked. Dave wanted to stop the spread of HIV. What he started was a movement.

Additional Resources

• Supporting Nationwide Access To Syringe Service Programs

• NASEN (North America Syringe Exchange Network) 

• Summary of Information on The Safety and Effectiveness of Syringe Services Programs (SSPs) - CDC

• Syringe Services Programs (SSPs) - CDC

• Peer Delivered Syringe Exchange Toolkit