Harm Reduction Works (Needle Exchange/Safer Inhalation Program)
Harm reduction is a set of practical
strategies that meet people “where they’re at” in an effort to reduce
negative consequences of drug and/or alcohol use.
Needle exchange sites are an example of
harm reduction. The sites provide a safe environment to exchange used
drug equipment (works) with the supply of new, sterile works.
Friendly staff are available at the sites to help you access:
-
Clean equipment including needles, pipes, spoons, ties, filters, swabs, water and Vitamin C
-
Free condoms, lube and dental dams
-
Testing information on HIV, Hep C, sexually transmitted infections (STI’s), safer sex, pregnancy, and more
-
Other resources and community agencies
You can protect yourself and others by:
-
Using new works every time you inject or smoke
-
Using condoms and lube every time you have vaginal and/or anal sex
-
Using condoms or dental dams every time you have oral sex
-
Getting tested regularly
-
Not sharing equipment for injecting, inhaling, tattooing or piercing
-
Washing your hands and the skin where you’re injecting
with soap and water or alcohol pads. This helps to stop germs from
entering your blood.
-
Using different sites on your body to inject. This will cut down on bruises, track marks and vein collapse.
-
Always putting your used rigs inside a hard plastic
container (not glass) with a sealed lid (pop bottle or coffee can) if
you can't get to an exchange site.
Cleaning drug equipment with bleach won’t kill Hep C!
Additional Resources:
PARN - Your Community AIDS Resource Network