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SSP 101
What are the benefits of an SSP?
- Reduce HIV prevalence by as much as 50%
- Reduce hepatitis C prevalence by as much as 50%
- Reduce drug poisoning (overdose) death by providing naloxone/Narcan to people at high risk of witnessing and opiate overdose.
- Reduce accidental needle sticks by 66% in law enforcement professionals
- Increase the proper disposal of syringes and other hazardous materials
- Increase access to substance use disorder treatment and recovery services – SSP participants have been shown to be up to 5 times more likely to access substance use disorder and recovery services, and stay enrolled in those services, than people injecting drugs and not utilizing an SSP.
- SSPs are safe, effective, and cost-saving
Services can include:
- HIV and Hepatitis C testing and linkage to care
- Training in overdose prevention and response with access to Narcan/naloxone
- Hepatitis A and B vaccines
- Recovery coaching and linkage to substance use disorder treatment
- Assistance in accessing medical care.
- Basic wound care that reduces emergency room visits and hospitalizations from untreated minor injuries
- Access to safer sex education and supplies
Overdose Prevention and Reversal:
- CDC - Overdose Prevention
- Harm Reduction Coalition - Overdose Prevention
- Harm Reduction Ohio - How Much Fentanyl Will Kill You?
- CDC - Reverse Overdose to Prevent Death
- MDHHS - Naloxone Request Form
- Reverse Overdose Oregon - Training Guide: Resources to Reverse an Opioid Overdose for Trainers
- Reverse Overdose Oregon - Reverse an Opioid Overdose with Naloxone Instructional Poster
- Reverse Overdose Oregon - Reverse an Opioid Overdose with Naloxone Instructional Card
Wound Care:
SSPs have never been shown to increase drug use! In fact, they do the opposite... read more here.