Implementation of Harm Reduction Syringe Services Programs at 2 Veterans Affairs Medical Centers.

BACKGROUND

Syringe services programs (SSPs) aim to prevent the transmission of blood-borne pathogens, tissue infections, and overdose among people who use drugs (PWUD). This article describes the implementation of SSPs at 2 US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers.

OBSERVATIONS: SSPs can increase access to sterile equipment, promote safe disposal, reduce health care costs, and improve patient access to care. Despite these developments, SSPs remain limited. Established SSPs at the Alaska VA Healthcare System and VA Southern Oregon Healthcare System have allowed for quality harm reduction services to be provided to PWUD.

CONCLUSIONS

The newly established SSPs help clinicians provide high-quality care to PWUD. Implementation of SSPs at VA facilities (where permitted by local law) may improve patient care and reduce negative consequences associated with injection drug use.