Drug User Health Programs

The Drug User Health Program (previously known as Syringe Services Program) is a legal, non-judgmental, confidential place to exchange syringes and get harm reduction supplies and referrals to other resources to stay safe and healthy.

The Drug User Health Program provides a way for people who use drugs to safely dispose of used syringes and obtain sterile syringes at no cost. The program provides prevention and care services that reduce risk for acquiring and transmitting bloodborne infections. The program also provides education and supplies to respond to opioid and stimulant drug overdose, as well as testing and peer support to improve overall health.

Drug User Health Programs aid in the public health goals of reducing HIV and hepatitis C infection rates and increase use of the life-saving opioid overdose reversal medication naloxone and substance use treatment participation.

Other services include:

* Condom distribution to prevent sexual transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
* Overdose education and naloxone administration training.
* HIV testing, hepatitis C testing, and care navigation services.
* Peer support.
* Referrals to substance use treatment and other medical and social services.


Drug User Health Programs are community-based public health programs.

They provide critical services in nonjudgmental environments to people who use syringes. Services include:

* Sterile injecting supplies
* Safe syringe disposal
* Access to healthcare, treatment, and support.

According to the Washington State Department of Health "Syringe exchange, syringe sales, and syringe distribution in Washington State are legal. A jurisdiction's health officer can authorize a syringe service program, or an independent organization can operate one. Washington State allows distribution of syringes through:

* Public health
* Community based HIV prevention programs
* Pharmacies

Types And Sizes Of Needles - According to the Harm Reduction Coalition (https://harmreduction.org/), most people who inject drugs intravenously use either a standard insulin set (27G or 28G with an orange cap) or a standard tuberculin set (25G with a blue tip).

There are syringe service programs in 26 Washington counties. Use the WA DOH Syringe Service Program Directory and search by county to find a syringe exchange program near you.





Source:

WA DOH Drug User Health - (https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/departments/public-health-and-social-services/disease-control-and-prevention/drug-user-health-program)

WA DOH Syringe Service Programs - (https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/drug-user-health/syringe-service-programs)