At RAAN, we are committed to promoting harm reduction strategies. Our Syringe Services Programs (SSPs) provide support to people who inject drugs, aiming to reduce the risks associated with injection drug use and to prevent the transmission of bloodborne infections such as HIV and Hepatitis C.

Our Approach to Harm Reduction

Harm reduction is a public health philosophy that seeks to minimize the negative health, social, and legal impacts associated with drug use. Rather than focusing solely on the eradication of drug use, harm reduction acknowledges the reality of drug use and strives to mitigate its harmful consequences. Our SSPs embody this approach by offering:

• Sterile Injection Supplies: Access to clean syringes and other injection equipment significantly reduces the risk of transmitting HIV, HCV, and other infections. Research has shown that SSPs are effective in lowering HIV incidence among people who inject drugs.
• Safe Disposal Options: Proper disposal of used syringes prevents needlestick injuries in the community and reduces environmental hazards. SSPs contribute to public safety by ensuring that used needles are collected and disposed of in compliance with federal and state biohazard requirements.
• Naloxone Distribution: Overdose prevention is a key component of harm reduction. We provide free naloxone (Narcan), a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid emergency. Our staff educates individuals on how to recognize the signs of an overdose and properly administer naloxone, empowering people to take action in an emergency situation.
• Injection Alternatives: We offer safer-use supplies such as smokeware to provide people with non-injection options, reducing the risks associated with injection-related harms like abscesses, endocarditis, and vein damage along with HIV and HCV. By making alternative methods available, we help lower the likelihood of bloodborne pathogen transmission while still respecting individual choices.

Benefits of SSPs

Engaging with our SSPs provides numerous benefits, including:

• Reduction in Disease Transmission: By providing sterile equipment and safe disposal options, SSPs play a huge role in decreasing the spread of HIV and HCV among people who inject drugs.
• Connection to Support Services: Our programs serve as a bridge to additional health and social services, including substance use disorder treatment, mental health support, and housing assistance. This approach addresses the broader needs of our clients, promoting overall well-being.
• Community Safety: SSPs contribute to public safety by reducing the number of improperly discarded syringes in the community, thereby lowering the risk of accidental needlestick injuries among the general population.