Syringe Service Program (SSP)

CHPLA’s Syringe Service Program (SSP) is our longest running program and guides the work we do across all our services. It is a scientifically founded, community-based intervention that focuses on the prevention of HIV and Hepatitis C, overdose and skin and soft tissue infections.  Our exchange program reaches nearly 10,000 people and distributes more than 1.1 million sterile syringes a year. Last year we provided participants and community members across Los Angeles County with 10,778 Naloxone kits, of those kits, 3,701 were used to successfully respond  to an overdose.

Resized_20210831_183142.jpeg

Through SSP we are able to provide:

  • Access to sterile syringes, safer injection supplies and Naloxone, education, advocacy, support individuals to gain access to healthcare, basic living items like food, beverages, clothing and hygiene supplies, wound care, and safe syringe disposal. Hepatitis C and HIV testing. We offer linkage to other important services and programs: Referrals to social services, mental health and medical services and other commonly requested areas of need.

  • Intensive Case Management: Community based case management services designed to help participants overcome common barriers that often prevent them from receiving services. This may include assistance with CalFresh, General Relief, obtaining identification cards, social security cards, birth certificates, completing housing applications, accessing medical and mental health care, HIV treatment and more.

  • Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT): Is a mechanism to treat opioid use disorder through medications such as Buprenorphine. Buprenorphine is a prescription drug used to treat opioid use disorder, acute pain, and chronic pain. We assist participants by providing low-barrier access to this medication while offering continued support and linkage to a primary medical home.

The purpose of our Syringe Service Program (SSP):

Reduce infections: Nonsterile injections can lead to transmission of HIV, Hepatitis C and many skin and soft tissue infections. By providing people access to sterile syringes and injection equipment, SAPs help people prevent contracting bloodborne illnesses and infections when they inject drugs.

Save lives: SEPs play a key role in preventing overdose deaths by training people most likely to witness an overdose how to rapidly recognize an overdose and respond. Specifically, CHPLA provides community members and peers with free Naloxone, and teaches participants how to identify an overdose, give rescue breaths and effectively administer Naloxone.

Promote health across the LA community: In order to have healthy communities, all people must have equal access to quality healthcare regardless of background or life circumstances. We aim to be a safe place for all individuals to feel comfortable and supported as they set and reach their health goals. We offer information and guidance navigating complicated systems of care.