Syringe access programs (SAPs) are evidence-based interventions shown to reduce the transmission of HIV and hepatitis C (HCV) and do not increase drug use or crime. They meet people where they are to provide an array of services in a safe, anonymous setting. SAPs provide access to healthcare and treat people with dignity and respect, no matter where they are at.
View the 2023 Denver Syringe Access Program Needs Assessment
SAPs have many benefits including:
- creating opportunities to engage people who use substances and linking them to services,
- they are shown to be safe, effective, and cost-saving,
- they are associated with a 50 percent reduction in HIV and HCV incidence, and
- they provide a source of community connection through advisory groups, education classes, activities, community cleanups, and more.
Participants of SAPs are:
- more likely to safely dispose of needles,
- more likely to reduce or stop injecting, and
- five times more likely to access treatment for substance use.
Recent increases in fatal and non-fatal overdoses, and changing drug supply, have identified an additional need to promote the use of these programs to provide overdose education and naloxone to individuals who use substances but do not inject.
Programs provide a variety of services including:
- Access to sterile syringes and syringe disposal.
- Injection supplies such as cottons, cookers, waters, tourniquets, sharp containers and more.
- Overdose prevention education, including access to naloxone.
- Referrals to substance use treatment and resources for people who want to reduce or eliminate drug use in their life.
- Linkage to care and referrals to HIV and hepatitis C care.
- Harm reduction counseling and substance use education.
- Fentanyl Testing Strips.
- Wound care education.
- Other harm reduction supplies to reduce the impacts of drug use.
- Safer smoking and snorting supplies such as sterile pipes and multicolored straws to avoid sharing.
Currently, there are three syringe access programs in Denver.
- Access Point: A program of Colorado Health Network and provides services 4 days a week at 936 E 18th St. and provides mobile syringe access services throughout Denver | Walk-in Service Hours: Monday- Thursday 1-6 p.m. | 720-994-2403
- The Harm Reduction Action Center: Operates 5 days a week at 112 E. 8th Ave. and provides mobile syringe access services via street outreach 3 days a week. | Walk-in Service Hours: Monday- Friday 9 a.m.- 12 p.m. | 303-572-7800
- Lifepoint: A program of Vivent Health that provides mobile syringe access services throughout Denver four days a week (and at least one Saturday a month) | 720-385-6898