This global review found that safer smoking practices are essential forms of harm reduction. People who use drugs in several studies reported that pipe sharing occurred for multiple reasons, including wanting to accumulate crack resin and protect themselves from social harms, such as police harassment. Across studies, smoking drugs, as opposed to injecting drugs, were described as a crucial method to reduce the risk of overdose, disease acquisition, and societal harms such as police violence.
Language: English
The utilization and delivery of safer smoking practices and services: a narrative synthesis of the literature
NASTAD – Materials for SSPs: A Guide for Staff & Volunteers
This learning tool is designed for health department and community-based syringe services programs (SSPs) and their staff to provide an overview of materials typically available at an SSP, discuss alternative materials for safer injection when needed, and improve communication about the use and utility of safer injection supplies. The learning tool consists of a Training Module Webinar, a Presenter’s Guide, and PowerPoint slide deck that syringe services programs and health departments can customize for their in-house staff trainings. A double-sided informational flyer for easy distribution to staff and participants of syringe services programs will be coming soon.
Lessons Learned During the Launch of Syringe Services Programs in Michigan
The rapidity with which syringe services programs were scaled up across Michigan is a noteworthy public health achievement; however, it also underscores the scale of the modern addiction and overdose crisis and the need for evidence-based services. This report aims to “tell the story” of syringe services program implementation in communities throughout Michigan and describe the lessons learned by program operators.
UW SHaRP – Supporting Harm Reduction Resources
The SHaRP team creates guidance and resources focused on data and monitoring and evaluation focused on people who use drugs, SSPs, and harm reduction programs. This website hosts several guidance and resources created by the SHaRP team.
RTI International – Recommended best practices for effective syringe exchange programs in the United States: Results of a consensus meeting (2019)
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.
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
