Do syringe exchange programs lead to more dirty needles in public places?
Just the opposite. Syringe exchange programs help to reduce improperly discarded syringes. All programs collect used syringes and instruct participants on proper disposal of syringes. • Needle sticks of Connecticut police officers were reduced by 66% after the implementation of syringe exchange programs. • In Baltimore, after an SEP was implemented, the number of inappropriately discarded syringes decreased by almost 50%. • In Portland, the number of discarded syringes decreased by almost two-thirds after the SEP opened. • In San Francisco, approximately 2 million syringes were recovered and safely disposed of in 2000 through SEPs.
