Disease Prevention
Syringe Exchange
Syringe Exchange Programs (SEPs), also known as syringe services programs (SSPs), are community-based programs that provide access to sterile needles and syringes free of charge. The programs also facilitate safe disposal of used needles and syringes. SEPs are an effective component of a comprehensive, integrated approach to HIV and hepatitis C prevention among people who inject drugs. Most SEPs offer other prevention materials and services, such as HIV/HCV education; overdose prevention, including Naloxone distribution; referral to substance abuse treatment programs; and counseling and testing for HIV and hepatitis C.
Syringe exchange programs became legal in Utah on March 25, 2016, the day Utah Governor Gary Herbert signed House Bill 308 into law. The bill went into effect May 10, 2016, and states that agencies in Utah “may operate a syringe exchange program in the state to prevent the transmission of disease and reduce morbidity and mortality among individuals who inject drugs and those individuals’ contacts.” HB 308 does not fund syringe exchange programs in Utah, it only provides guidelines and reporting requirements and follows the restrictions of federal funding.
For detailed information on the Syringe Exchange law, visit the Administrative Code. The rule requires agencies conducting SEPs to register with UDOH and provide quarterly reports of activities to UDOH, which will be analyzed and reported annually to the Utah State Legislature, to show effectiveness and sustainability of the program. UDOH provides support, technical assistance, training and guidance to all Utah SEPs and distributes funding as available.
Utah Syringe Exchange Law
Utah Syringe Exchange Programs
- Utah Syringe Exchange Activity Schedule -download/print
Agency Enrollment
If an agency is interested in enrolling as a Utah Syringe Exchange Program, or want more information, please email agency information and contact to: syringeexchange@utah.gov.
Educational Materials and Resources
- Utah Syringe Exchange Program Handbook
- Utah Syringe Exchange Brochure
- Spread of Disease Fact Sheet
- Myths vs. Facts
Opiate Overdose Prevention
National Reports – HIV and Hepatitis C
- National Hepatitis Action Plan 2017-2020
- National HIV/AIDS Strategy
- National Strategy for the Elimination of Hepatitis B and C
- State HCV Incidence and Policies Related to HCV Preventive and Treatment Services for Persons Who Inject Drugs, United States, 2015-2016, MMWR, May 12, 2017
- Vulnerablity Assesment for HIV and HCV Outbreaks, CDC Slide Set
- HIV/HCV Infection Among Persons Who Inject Drugs, Utah Counties
- Hepatitis Surveillance Trend Summary, CDC, 2017
Federal Resources
- Syringe Services Programs – Federal Guidance (HHS, CDC, HRSA, SAMHSA)
- HIV and Injection Drug Use
- Vital Signs Fact Sheet, December 2016
- Syringe Services Programs: Assessing Local Drug Use
- Developing, Implementing, and Monitoring Programs
- Syringe Service Programs for Persons Who Inject Drugs in Urban, Suburban, and Rural Areas — United States, 2013, MMWR, December 11, 2015
- Injury Prevention & Control: Opiod Overdose
- Opioids: The Prescription Drug and Heroin Overdose Epidemic
- Syringe Services Programs (Needle Exchange)
National Resources
- amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research Fact Sheets
- Federal Funding for Syringe Services Programs: Saving Money, Promoting Public Safety, and Improving Public Health
- The Importance of Syringe Exchange Programs
- Public Safety, Law Enforcement, and Syringe Exchange
- The Effectiveness of Harm Reduction in Preventing the Transmission of HIV/AIDS
- Harm Reduction Coalition
- National Association of State and Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD)
- North American Syringe Exchange Network (NASEN)
- Syringe Access Fund (AIDS United)
Contact UDOH Syringe Exchange Program for more information.
Phone: 801-538-6191
Email: syringeexchange@utah.gov