What is “Cleanworks” Needle Exchange Program (NEP)?
Cleanworks NEP is a service of the Health Unit and the community for local injection drug users (IDUs). It provides sites where used needles can be exchanged for new needles and other drug use equipment. Benefits of a NEP To the IDU: • Reduced needle sharing and therefore less chance of contracting or transmitting a blood borne pathogen like HIV, Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C. • Positive contact with the community and a potential source of help or referral to other community services. To the Community: • Safe disposal of used needles. • Reduced incidents of blood borne pathogens in the community. What happens at needle exchange sites? • The person wishing to make an exchange brings used needles in a sharps container or a rigid plastic container with a tight fitting lid to an exchange site and disposes safely. • The person making the exchange will receive new needles and other supplies needed to inject, to reduce the risk of transmitting a bloodborne pathogen. • The person receives informa
