How Many Needle Exchange Programs exist in Ontario?
Within the province of Ontario, 34 NEPs operate distributing over 3.2 million clean syringes annually to an estimated 41,100 people who inject drugs (Strike, C and Leonard L, 2006). Currently, NEPs distribute a small proportion of the sterile needles needed. It is estimated that approximately 1,000 needles are required per person who injects drugs per year. In Ontario is it estimated that 53 needles are distributed per injector per year (Strike, C and Leonard L, 2006).
