Superior Points HRP - Canadian Harm Reduction Network

Referral • Check this off if a referral was made. This refers toresponding to the needs of the client by also helping them access otherservices, such as health care, substance use treatment, legal support,shelter, etc. This also means recording formal written and informal verbalreferrals. Include the name of the agency and any other relevantinformation.NEEDLE EXCHANGE PRACTICES & PROCEDURESThis is not a one-for-one exchange!Clients may request and receive as many syringes as needed, whether theyhave returned used ones or not. Every attempt will be made to recoverused syringes from clients, although there are many valid reasons whyclients would have none to return.The main purpose of a needle exchange program is to stop the spread ofcommunicable diseases within the injection drug using community viashared works and to reduce their risks of infection from the use of uncleansupplies. If a client or potential client asks for supplies, they get them.This also means that clients should always receive syringes even if they donot have any used syringes to return. This is not a one-for-one exchange --it’s a distribution and recovery program.Needle Distribution:The client will be asked how many syringes they require and what type. Ifthey want 3cc barrels, the size and number of needle tips is also needed.Staff will assist the client in determining how many they need (i.e.determine when they will be returning to the NEP, remind them that we areclosed on Sundays, ask how often they might inject, etc.). If a client ishesitant or unsure about the quantity of supplies they are allowed toaccess, especially if they are new to the NEP, they should be encouraged totake more rather than less to reduce the potential risk for reusing orsharing injection supplies.However, clients requesting large quantities of needles without returningused ones should also be asked about their current disposal practices andinformed of the options for disposal available to them as clients of SPHRP.SUPERIOR POINTS HARM REDUCTION PROGRAMProtocols for Staff, Volunteers and Community Agencies23