Needle Syringe Program

Needle Syringe Programs are intended to reduce the transmission of HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and other infections. They also reduce other health risks associated with substance use such as infections of the skin or heart valves, blood clots and overdoses. These programs provide education and link individuals with services and resources when they are ready.

NSPs make good public health sense because they:

• Reduce the transmission of blood-borne infections including HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
• Reduce skin and other bacterial infections associated with substance use.
• Reduce high risk behaviours associated with accessing and using substances.
• Reduce the number of used needles discarded in the community.
• Do not encourage initiation of substance use.
• Do not increase the duration or frequency of substance use.
• Still provide the motivation to decrease substance use.
• Are often the only contact substance users will have with health or social service providers.