syringe exchange program

Using a mobile outreach van, the Syringe Exchange Program provides new syringes in exchange for used ones for over 10,000 registered participants at six weekly exchange sites, and distributes amost 1,000,000 syringes annually. Exchange participants access information and develop strategies for reducing their risk of HIV, hepatitis, and other drug-related harm. HIV testing and counseling, harm reduction education, and referrals for drug treatment, medical care, and social services are provided at each exchange site.

PPP's six sterile syringe exchange sites, at fixed weekly times and locations, in various neighborhoods of Philadelphia:

West Philadelphia
North Philadelphia
North Central Philadelphia
South Philadelphia
Kensington

We safely dispose of over 850,000 used syringes annually and maintain an exchange rate of over 85%.

At the sites, PPP provides ancillary services designed to promote harm reducing behaviors and to link consumers with comprehensive medical care, case management, detox and drug treatment, behavioral health care, legal advocacy and other social services. These services include:

• Ongoing harm reduction and safer-sex education;


• HIV testing and counseling


• Care outreach services that link people living with HIV to primary medical care and case management


• Referrals to detox, drug treatment, behavioral health care services, medical care, benefits counseling and social services, including housing, job readiness training, and legal services

syringe exchange schedule