Some States Unwisely Cling to One-to-One Syringe Exchange Instead of Evidence Based Needs-Based Distribution
Law & Policy InsightsSubstance Use Prevention and Harm ReductionHarm Reduction Legal ProjectHarm Reduction Legal Project ResourcesSyringe services programs (SSPs) are crucial legal and health intervention and multiple studies have shown the best model for SSPs is needs-based syringe distribution, in which SSP participants are provided with the quantity of supplies they need to use safely. Yet, many states require participants to return a used needle for every new needle they are given, resulting in undue health risks and other harms.