Only use needles once. Used syringes increase the risk of contracting HIV, Hep C, and other infections. Syringes dull and splinter each time they are used, which can lead to vein and skin damage.
Depending on availability, SWAN primarily distributes syringes in 2 sizes: 1cc and 1/2cc and can sometimes get other sizes on request (i.e. ⅜ ). Clean syringes can be picked up at the SWAN Mobile Outreach Van during any outreach shift. A confidential intake form is required. The SWAN outreach van
Discarding used needles. SWAN’s syringe exchange also takes syringes off the streets and out of circulation. Discarded syringes can lead to accidental needle-sticks and the passing of blood-borne illness.
The used syringe drop-off is operational Saturday mornings at the SWAN Mobile Outreach Van. Depending on available funding, stipends are sometimes available for the return of used syringes. The van can be located at the corner of Congress Ave and Daggett Street from 6:30am to 8:00am and at the corner of Ferry Street and Grand Avenue from 8:30am to 9:30am. Schedule is subject to change due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances. Follow us on twitter @swan_nhct for the latest updates.
According to the CDC, access to sterile syringes reduces HIV and hepatitis C infection rates by as much as 50 percent.
Other harm reduction resources available free on the Mobile Outreach Van:
- Narcan®/Naloxone – opioid overdose reversal kits
- Fentanyl test strips
- Safer cook kits
- Safer smoking kits (blunt crutches (K2 and Cannabis), Meth Pipes and crack stems)
- Safer sex supplies
- Tourniquets
- Alcohol pads and BZK wipes
- Triple antibiotic ointment packets
