The Safer Syringe Initiative is a project through the North Carolina Division of Public Health. The Safer Syringe Initiative began after syringe exchange programs were legalized in North Carolina in July 2016. Approximately 20 percent of AIDS cases and upwards of 55 percent of Hepatitis C cases can be attributed to injection drug use, which underscores the viability of syringe exchange programs. Many studies have confirmed the cost efficiency of syringe exchange programs as a prevention effort to reduce the spread of HIV, Hepatitis C and other blood borne illnesses (NC Health and Human Services: Syringe Exchange).
Syringe Exchange Programs:
Ø Distribute clean needles and syringes and other injection supplies
Ø Collect and dispose of used syringes
Ø Link patients to substance use treatment programs
Ø Link patients to mental health services as needed
Ø Provide Naloxone (overdose reversal medication) or refer for services
Ø Offer HIV, Hepatitis, and other laboratory screening tests