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.
• 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: 

• University of Wisconsin - Madison - Basic Wound Care.
• Mayo Clinic - First Aid Basics.

SSPs have never been shown to increase drug use!