What’s the difference between “needle exchange” and harm reduction?
Needle exchange–the provision of clean hypodermic syringes in exchange for used ones–is probably the harm reduction strategy that is best known to the general public. But it is only one of numerous strategies employed to improve the physical and mental health and life prospects of drug users and others who engage in activities that put them at risk of contracting HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases. In addition to needle exchange, PHP delivers other harm reduction strategies, including mental health services, support groups, HIV and Hepatitis C testing, education and follow-up and case management assistance.
