Syringe Services Programs & Harm Reduction
People who inject drugs continue to be at risk for HIV and hepatitis C (HCV) infection in California. Research has consistently found that increasing access to sterile syringes significantly reduces the risk of HIV transmission. California law supports public health efforts to expand access to sterile syringes through both syringe exchange programs (SEPs, also known as syringe services programs) and nonprescription syringe sale in pharmacies.
To find a syringe exchange program near you, see the Directory of California SEPs.
Overview and fact sheets for health departments, consumers, syringe services programs and law enforcement. Includes information about the Syringe Exchange Certification Program, which allows agencies to apply directly to CDPH for authorization to provide syringe services.
Toolkit for health departments and resources for pharmacists and pharmacy customers.
Opportunities for public comment, meetings, and other notices.
Information for health centers and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs).
The Risks
of the Job (Video) - Made in cooperation with the Los Angeles Police Department,
this 15-minute documentary explains how officers can reduce the risk of
infection by needle stick injuries on the job. Officers visit an SEP on their
beat and explore the ways that SEPs can help keep law enforcement officers and
their communities safer