Why are syringe exchange programs offered?
Syringe exchange is one of the most effective AIDS prevention programs currently available for injection drug users who are not in treatment. Without a vaccine or a cure, prevention is the only tool we have to control the spread of HIV. Public Health runs a syringe exchange program for four basic reasons: • Syringe exchange reduces blood-borne diseases in our communities without increasing drug use. Studies have shown decreases in both the number of persons who become infected with HIV and the number of people who get hepatitis in communities that have syringe exchange programs. • Preventing HIV infection in injection drug users also prevents HIV in women and newborn children. Many women are at risk for HIV because of their own injection drug use or because they are sexual partners of injection drug users. • By working with injection drug users, we can help them get into drug treatment. • Finally, syringe exchange programs safely dispose of all contaminated syringes turned in to the ex
