This document summarizes the consensus among syringe exchange program (SEP) experts of the underlying principles and programmatic elements that enable or constrain SEP effectiveness. Effective SEPs have the support of local governing bodies and match sound operational characteristics with responsiveness to the unique features of their host communities. The panel highlighted operational characteristics that are critical for effective SEPs, and measures to be avoided because they undermine the primary goal of SEP: to make new, sterile syringes available to IDUs.
Language: English
RTI International – Recommended best practices for effective syringe exchange programs in the United States: Results of a consensus meeting (2019)
NACo Opioid Solutions Strategy Brief on SSPs
Guidance for county leaders considering best practices related to syringe access and related services.
New York State – Syringe Access and Disposal
Information including policies and procedures for syringe access programs and sharps disposal in New York state.
CDC Syringe Services Programs: A Technical Package of Effective Strategies and Approaches for Planning, Design, and Implementation
This technical package provides evidence of the effectiveness of strategies and approaches for supporting successful planning, design, implementation, and sustainability of syringe services programs (SSPs).
WA DOH compilation of peer-reviewed research
A compilation of research covering topics including: cost effectiveness, expert guidance, healthcare access point, infectious disease prevention, injecting risk, SSP operations considerations, and syringe disposal outcomes
CDC – Safety and Effectiveness of Syringe Services Programs (2024)
Syringe services programs (SSPs) are proven and effective community-based prevention programs that can provide a range of services. SSPs protect the public and first responders by facilitating the safe disposal of used needles and syringes.
Using Timely Overdose Data to Address a Spike in Nonfatal Overdoses and Inform a Coordinated Community-Level Response in Rhode Island
This case study provides an example of how timely opioid overdose data can be effectively used to detect a spike in nonfatal opioid overdoses and inform a strategic, community-level response.
Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program (ODMAP)
ODMAP provides near real-time suspected overdose data across jurisdictions to support public safety and public health efforts to mobilize an immediate response to a sudden increase, or spike, in overdose events. ODMAP links first responders and relevant record management systems to a mapping tool to track overdoses to stimulate real-time response and strategic analysis across jurisdictions.
The British Columbia Drug Overdose and Alert Partnership: Interpreting and sharing timely illicit drug information to reduce harms
We describe the British Columbia Drug Overdose and Alert Partnership, an innovative collaborative model of stakeholders who work in prevention, harm reduction, treatment and enforcement related to psychoactive substance use. We describe the formation, purpose, stakeholders, and operation of the partnership and resultant public health surveillance system.
