Syringe exchanges save lives
Addiction is a disease, and people who suffer from it deserve respectful and compassionate care
Deschutes County provides compassionate, non-judgmental harm reduction services twice weekly. Harm reduction programs offer many types of supplies to keep community members safe.
Syringe exchange programs do not cause or increase drug use. For some community members, connecting with a syringe exchange can lead to eventual recovery.
Central Oregon saw a sharp rise in overdose events in 2020, and life saving overdose reversal medicine (Naloxone a.k.a. nasal Narcan) is available for free to all exchangers in Deschutes County.
Please call Crook County Health Department at (541) 447-5165 for more information on Crook County harm reductions services.
Myths & Facts
MYTH: Syringe exchanges enable drug abuse
Injection drug use will occur regardless of whether a syringe exchange is operating in a community. Communities with active, successful syringe exchange programs, however, can ensure the provision of sterile supplies, which leads to reduction in disease transmission, including Hepatitis C/B and HIV, as well as reduction in infection, hospitalization and death. Syringe exchanges also collect and safely dispose of used syringes, which reduces the possibility of accidental needle sticks.
FACT: Exchanges are an entry point to treatment
In addition to sterile injection supplies, syringe exchange programs also offer information and support around detox, treatment and recovery to those exchangers who are interested in taking that next step. For many community members, the syringe exchange is also the only link to medical care, and it is often the best and only way to keep people from needing expensive, emergency room care.
MYTH: Fewer sterile needles means fewer injections
Injection drug use will occur regardless of whether an individual has access to sterile supplies. In the event that sterile supplies are NOT available, individuals will resort to SHARING and REUSING injection supplies, which leads to the spread of disease and infection, as well as hospitalization and death.
Refer a community member to the exchange today.
We acknowledge that community members injecting drugs will do so regardless of whether they can access sterile injection supplies. However, when given the opportunity to access sterile supplies and Narcan (overdose reversal medication) via a syringe exchange programs, community members can keep themselves, their friends, families and larger community safe by reducing the spread of disease, the incidence of infection and the possibility of overdose death.
Key Information
How do community members access the exchange?
Visit the Deschutes County Health Services website’s Syringe Exchange Program webpage for details.
What does the Syringe Exchange provide?
Confidential, anonymous, respectful environment
Sterile syringes and other injection supplies
Sharps containers
Safe disposal for used syringes
Naloxone (nasal Narcan and injectable naloxone)
Education
Referrals to social services, medical care, detox/treatment (upon request)
Peer support specialist
Onsite medical care, periodic viral testing and vaccines
