HIV

Syringe services programs (SSPs) provide access to sterile syringes, and provide and link to other important services and programs such as:

• Education about overdose prevention and safer injection practices
• Screening, care, and treatment for viral hepatitis and HIV
• Screening for sexually transmitted infections
• Vaccinations, including for hepatitis A and B
• HIV PrEP
• Abscess and wound care
• Naloxone distribution and education
• Referral to social work, mental health, and other medical services

Although the legal status of SSPs varies widely across U.S. states and jurisdictions, VA supports the implementation of VA-SSPs in facilities where not otherwise prohibited by law, and where available, referral to community SSPs.

Syringe Services are a key component of the national initiative, Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America. Providing these critical services can prevent new HIV infections. Learn more about VA's efforts to end HIV in this short video:

If you inject drugs, talk to your VA provider about safer injection practices, including accessing sterile syringes. Your health is important to us. Your health care team can help connect you with information and resources you might need to keep yourself safe and as healthy as possible.

Resources

• Safer Injection Practices for People who Inject Drugs
• VA Substance Use Disorder Program Locator
• Substance Use Disorder Treatment Locator for non-Veterans
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention SSP Information
• VA HIV Testing and Prevention Information