Driven by the opioid epidemic, 220 U.S. counties are at high risk for an outbreak of HIV or hepatitis C among people who inject drugs. But 93% of these vulnerable counties don’t have any syringe services programs (SSPs). These programs are highly effective at preventing the spread of blood-borne diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C, while also increasing public safety and providing a gateway to drug treatment programs. And in spite of their proven effectiveness, in 15 states SSPs remain illegal.
The need for legislative action to permit SSP operation and for expanded access to these critical programs is illustrated in the maps below.
Click here or image below for map showing need for SSPs in vulnerable counties
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Click here or image below for map showing states where SSPs need to be legalized
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