Syringe Exchange Programs

Description of Strategy

Syringe exchange programs (SEPs) provide free, sterile needles to drug users with the intention of preventing infectious diseases such as HIV or Hepatitis. They are an effective strategy for limiting the consequences associated with illicit opioid use. Unfortunately, recent research has shown that rural areas are poorly served by SEPs compared to urban areas (Des Jarlais et al., 2013), with an increase in injection drug use and syringe sharing among rural, white communities (Wejnert et al., 2016).

In Wyoming

Wyoming state statute does not allow for delivery of, or possession with intent to deliver, drug paraphernalia, which includes syringes (§ 35-7-1056). Additionally, Wyoming does not have a law to establish a syringe services program. State law does not prohibit possession of drug paraphernalia.

Discussion of Effectiveness

Several studies have found that states with SEPS are associated with a significant reduction in the risk of intravenous drug users contracting HIV or Hepatitis B or C (Hagen et al., 1995; Bramson et al., 2015). Likewise, SEPs are not associated with increases in injection drug use, or needle sharing, and are can successfully provide a pathway to treatment (Guydish et al., 1993; Strathdee et al., 1999; Hagan et al., 2000). Finally, Nguyen et al. (2014) point out that SEPs are cost-effective, with a national gain of $7.58 for every $1.00 spent.