How do Syringe Service Programs (SSPs) Help Communities?

Posted by medonthego on 1/20/2023 to

Syringe exchange programs (SSPs) are syringe services programs that offer numerous benefits and have grown in popularity in recent years. SSPs include many benefits for users, from providing injection supplies and counseling sessions to collecting and disposing of syringes safely and effectively.

The range of services syringe programs offer includes:

Counseling services
Healthcare and screening for infections, diseases, and blood-borne illnesses
Screening programs for a variety of health issues
Referrals to treatment centers for social, psychological, and medical care
Vaccinations
Education and advocacy support
Help to find access to intravenous medications and services
Guidance for the safe disposal of needles and syringes

SSPs provide an excellent way for diabetics and other patients that regularly use needles and syringes to implement best practices, effectively access key health services, find supplies, and safely dispose of used needles and syringes without putting themselves or others at risk.

What Are Syringe Service Programs (SSPs)?

Syringe Service Programs (SSPs) are community-based initiatives around the United States that support the safe disposal of old injection equipment while giving people who inject drugs (PWID) free access to sterile needles, syringes, and other injection supplies.

These crucial programs frequently offer PWID additional supportive services for disease control, such as information on overdose risk, condom and naloxone distribution, immunizations, infectious disease testing, and referrals. On top of that, SSPs can connect people with substance abuse treatment and social support services and administer vaccinations and other preventative measures.

SSPs differ in size, scope, location, and environment (e.g., community, hospital, or mobile sites). A comprehensive preventive program can include several different types of SSPs, too. These are often known as needle exchange programs, syringe exchange programs, and needle or syringe programs—and are all available at the state or municipal level.

Why Is There a Need for Syringe Service Programs (SSPs)?

People may reuse needles and syringes to inject drugs due to a lack of access, education, or budget. They may also knowingly or unknowingly dispose of needles the wrong way. This type of needle and syringe misuse can lead to serious health issues and an increased risk of blood-borne infections.

Over the last two decades, HIV outbreaks among people who inject drugs and reuse needles have increased in the U.S. The World Health Organization cites the current opioid use epidemic as contributing to the increased risk of HIV and other infectious diseases.

To save people from health issues like HIV, hepatitis C virus, and other diseases, SSPs provide prevention services that can connect users with sterile syringes and needles. Access helps reduce the risk of infections and provides people with a source for new, sterile, and safe needles and syringes.

What Are the Benefits of Syringe Service Programs (SSPs)?

SSPs do a great job of keeping our communities safe from blood-borne diseases by offering sterile needles and syringes and providing safe disposal services. These valuable programs have multiple benefits for individuals, the communities in which they live, and our society as a whole. These benefits include eight essential factors:

Reduced Risk Of Contaminated Syringes

One of the most significant benefits of SSPs is that they help individuals stop using contaminated syringes. Syringe reuse is the main contributor to the spread of blood-borne diseases.

People who reuse syringes are at a higher risk of contracting infections or diseases from other people. SSPs provide instant access to sterile syringes and offer safe disposal processes—lessening the chance of contamination.

Even though blood-borne infections can be hard to eradicate, a syringe service program makes it easier for drug users to stay safe.

Reduced HIV Infection Rates

Another SSP benefit is the reduction of HIV outbreak rates. Nearly 30 years of research have shown that SSPs are a safe and cost-effective way to prevent the spread of HIV, and hay also helps reduce overdose deaths. In addition, SSPs can prevent high-risk behaviors that lead to unsafe drug use and injection practices.

Syringe service programs significantly impact drug users’ health: Participants are three times more likely to stop injecting drugs and five times more likely to undergo drug treatment.

Safety Education

Syringe Service Programs offer educational tools and resources that help prevent an overdose and show patients how to inject medication safely. These training tools can help both healthcare providers and drug users. Everyone should know and understand how to mitigate syringe and needle use risks.

Promotion of Public Safety

To assist local police departments in responding to overdose cases and preventing fatalities, SSPs have teamed up with law enforcement. The program provides police and social support services with naloxone.

By enabling safe needle disposal and lowering the number of discarded needles in the neighborhood, SSPs help empowers and safeguard first responders and the general public.

Referrals to Healthcare Services

Although they often direct people to drug treatment centers, SSPs can connect people with other mental health services. This type of help can be beneficial for users suffering from undiagnosed mental health conditions.

Through the personal connections presented through needle or syringe exchange programs, support staff may be able to note if someone might require additional care. Additionally, users can ask questions and inquire about counseling and healthcare services—which can lead to referrals to therapists or other treatment providers.

SSPs Reduce the Transmission of Blood Borne Infections

SSPs play a huge role in combating the nation’s opioid overdose crisis and preventing the spread of disease through injection drug use. They link to other healthcare services, such as the occurrence of HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for the opioid crisis.

SSPs bring an approximate 50% reduction in HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) incidence. The programs are a vital component of the Ending the HIV Pandemic effort and help to support the U.S. government’s plan to end the HIV epidemic by 2030.

Vaccine Administration

Some syringe exchange programs offer vaccines. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines are two inoculations most often provided through SSPs.

Most healthcare providers encourage syringe and needle users to vaccinate, even if there’s only a slight chance of contracting hepatitis. However, most SSPs offer vaccine services without patients needing to go to a doctor’s office or a separate healthcare facility. Additionally, for people who may be disenfranchised or struggling with addiction, SSPs are safe locations that offer specialized help and counseling services that aren’t necessarily available at a conventional clinic.

Safe Syringe Disposal

Disposing of syringes is essential when it comes to any community’s safety. If a needle goes into a regular trash can, it can penetrate the trash bag, and anyone handling that bag is at risk of becoming infected.

Some individuals don’t have access to the correct tools for the safe disposal of syringes. But they may have access to a local needle exchange program, where they can safely hand over used needles.

SSPs will carefully and effectively remove the containment syringes so patients and users don’t have to worry about hurting themselves or others.

Various Medical Services and Supplies

Syringe service programs provide more than just safe needle exchanges. SSPs provide critical medical services for intravenous drug users and those requiring injection therapies.

It’s best to check with service centers to see their offerings. But, many SSPs have licensed staff to help support medical care, addiction services, and more. Additionally, visitors can use SSP services to monitor their health, even if they don’t wish to stop using medications.

Do Syringe Service Programs Save Money?

According to the CDC, an average HIV patient may spend up to $400,000 to manage treatment throughout their lifetime.

Additional studies have shown that syringe service programs are particularly cost-effective in reducing the spread of blood-borne infections and public health issues. For example, in the case of HIV treatment, there may be a return of $2.50 in savings related to treatment alone. Other studies have found that syringe service programs can save up to $3 for every dollar invested. There are direct healthcare cost savings, too: Syringe service programs may lead to indirect cost savings by reducing the burden on the criminal justice system. For example, people who use and inject drugs are at an increased risk of arrest and incarceration, which can be costly for the government. In addition, syringe service programs can help reduce drug-related crime and associated costs by providing access to clean needles and other services.

So, yes, syringe service programs save money and are a proven cost-effective and long-term solution.

Are Syringe Service Programs Legal?

Yes, federal law dictates that SSPs are legal. Since 2021, syringe service programs have been legal in roughly 36 states and the District of Columbia. But regulations, requirements, and SSP offerings vary state by state. Some states have laws that specifically allow for SSPs, while other states may be more restrictive or even discriminate against SSP programs. In addition, some communities don’t want SSPs near their homes due to stigmas and misinformation. But, the fact is that SSPs reduce crime rates in both rural areas and larger cities.

How Do SSPs Prevent Wounds and Needle-Stick Injuries?

People who inject drugs (PWID) are more likely to be infected and experience painful wounds due to improper injection drug use. Common infections and wounds include blood poisoning, tetanus, bruising, collapsed veins, blood clots, abscesses, hepatitis, and needlestick injuries. Preventing and taking care of infections and wounds requires special medical attention and knowledge of the conditions surrounding drug use.

Homelessness, stigma, restricted access to food and hot baths, and limited access to clean drug usage supplies—including sterile water—are all obstacles to preventing and treating the soft-tissue infections common to intravenous medicine and drug users.

Due to perceived or actual mistreatment by medical experts, PWID may hesitate to seek medical attention. Likewise, those managing wounds and infections may feel ashamed or scared to connect with medical personnel.

But, those who do seek care for their wounds are more likely to be offered additional social services, like therapy for substance use disorders (just like with any other medical issue).

SSPs have taken several steps to help PWID access proper medical care and treatment for infections and wounds, including:

Providing sterile drug use equipment. (For instance, sterile water helps prevent soft-tissue wounds and infections.)
Processing SSP clients, transferring them into medical care, and compiling lists of reliable medical professionals for referral and wound care.
Utilizing nurse-level wound care when it is feasible and necessary.
Ensuring SSP workers are capable and can manage with appropriate treatments when nurse-level wound care is not possible.

What Else Should I Know about Syringe Service Programs?

Syringe exchange programs play a vital role in reducing the spread of infectious diseases caused by unclean or contaminated syringes and previously used needles. In addition, SSPs empower people in marginalized communities with better healthcare resources and choices. SSPs also emphasize establishing connections between communities, leaders, and healthcare providers—all while giving patients access to crucial services.

SSPs grant instant access to sterile needles, injections, syringes, and other medical equipment to anyone in need. And they teach individuals how to use injections properly and safely dispose of their medical equipment. As a result, the most significant breakthrough to date of SSP programs has been a notable reduction in HIV transmission.

We recommend you consult a doctor if you have any other queries related to syringe exchange programs.