
Public health efforts to reach out with syringe exchange services to those who may not be able or willing to stop injecting drugs is one part of the solution. Research has shown that syringe exchange programs significantly reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS among people who use injection drugs, it achieves safer injection behavior by injection drug users, connects injection drug users to health care services and other social services, promotes entry into and retention in drug addiction treatment, and it reduces the number of improperly discarded needles and syringes in the community. Syringe exchange programs work with populations who may not be ready to stop abusing drugs. What are the benefits of having a syringe exchange program? In Tacoma, Washington, the syringe exchange program is the single largest source of treatment referrals in the entire county. In fact, syringe exchange programs have become vital for substance abuse treatment readiness and referral. Research results clearly show that it does not lead to an increase in drug use or initiation of drug use. Because programs have been operating since this time, multiple researchers have been able to examine this question. Syringe exchange programs have existed since the beginning of the HIV epidemic of the late 1980’s and early 1990’s to prevent the spread of HIV among injection drug users. Hypodermic syringes and needles are exempted from the Oregon drug paraphernalia law (ORS.475.525).ĭo syringe exchange programs encourage or initiate drug use? In Oregon, it is legal for a person over 18 years of age to purchase syringes without a prescription. Violating probation or parole because of #1 or #2 Oregon’s Good Samaritan Overdose Law: If someone is overdosing in Oregon and you seek medical help, neither of you can be arrested or prosecuted for: The Syringe Exchange Program closes at 4:00 pm, please arrive before this time to receive services. Hours: Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Inside the Health & Human Services building in room 1005 Location: 140 South Holly Street, Medford, OR. Syringe Exchange clinic will be closed for government observed holidays.

Another option is to check with the pharmaceutical company depending on the medication, some pharmaceutical companies have disposal programs available. Rogue Disposal also has a residential medical waste disposal program.

To dispose of medical waste, check with your pharmacy as some pharmacies can accept and dispose of medical waste if you are a pharmacy patient. Syringe disposal at exchange sites is intended for syringe exchange clients it is not a medical waste disposal site. Referrals to medical and mental health care, shelter services, and alcohol and drug treatment. Naloxone kits are available from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Overdose rescue kits including naloxone a drug used to reverse opioid overdose. The Jackson County Syringe Exchange Program (SEP) is an evidence-based program that uses public health strategies to reduce the spread of serious infections like HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, hepatitis B, other infections, and reduce the risk of overdose among people who use drugs. Syringe exchanges are federally and internationally recognized element of a comprehensive response to drug misuse.Īccess to sterile syringes, new safer injection supplies, and new sharps container
