Syringe service programs are community-based public health programs.

They provide critical services in nonjudgmental environments to people who use syringes. Services include:

DOH supports Syringe Service Programs (PDF) because they protect and improve the health of individuals and communities.

Syringe exchange, syringe sales, and syringe distribution in Washington State are legal. A jurisdiction's health officer can authorize a syringe service program, or an independent organization can operate one. Washington State allows distribution of syringes through:

There are syringe service programs in 26 counties. You can locate SSPs in your area. Use our Syringe Service Program Directory and search by county and by Accountable Community of Health.

Learn about the evidence base for Syringe Service Programs through a list of public health research and guidance published since 2007. This resource is searchable by topic, author, and year.

Syringe service programs are community-based prevention programs that can provide a range of services, including:

For people with disabilities, Web documents in other formats are available on request. To submit a request, please contact us at civil.rights@doh.wa.gov.

Get email or text alerts based on your topic preferences.