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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:

Wound Care: 

SSPs have never been shown to increase drug use! In fact, they do the opposite... read more here.